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BRACKENRIDGE PARK 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



VISITOR'S GUIDE 



AND HISTORY OF 



San Antonio, Texas 



From the Foundation 1689 
to the Present Time 



-WITH- 



The Story of the Alamo 



BY 



HENRY RYDER-TAYLOR 



Third Edition — Revised and Enlarged 



Published by 

NIC TENGG 
BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER 

COMMERCIAL PRINTING 

220 W. COMMERCE STREET, SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS 

[Copyright] 



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BUi3$A AXc, re. 
COHY 8. 



COPYRIGHT 1908 BY 
NIC TENGG 

SAN ANTONIO. - - TEXAS 






PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. 



Finding that the second edition of this guide is ex- 
hausted, and it is still in great demand by reason of tia 
brevity, accuracy, utility and reasonable price, I have 
instructed Mr. Ryder-Taylor to prepare this, the third 
edition. In the revision many new and interesting de- 
tails have been added, the data has been completed to 
the time of publication, and the work necessarily en- 
larged. In the present form it will, no doubt, be more 
useful and acceptable to the visitors and citizens of this 
ancient, beautiful and romantic city. 

For further and more complete details of the Alamo 
and other missions I respectfully refer the reader to the 
special work by the same author, published by me under 
that title, and which can be obtained from all news 
agents and curiosity dealers. 

NIC TENGG. 



Grand Old San Antonio 



Character of the people, social life, 
numerous clubs and societies, past 
greatness and greater future, premier 
healthresort, scholastic advantages, 
all churches, amusements, sports, 
newspapers, Military Headquarters 
of Department of Texas, Commer- 
cial and Manufacturing Notes, Etc. 



GREAT CITY of the SOUTH 



GRAND OLD SAN ANTONIO 



'•' 'V '*' ■»• 



AN ANTONIO is one of the oldest cities in the 
State and one of the healthiest, cleanest and 
most progressive. Without any adventitious 
booming it grows in a most remarkably steady 
and in a most solid way, and its progress is 
discernable. The more it is seen the more 
popular it becomes and the more its merits are known 
the greater is the appreciation. Thousands of visitors 
come here every year to view its remarkable sites and 
scenes, to enjoy its balmy winter months and to share 
its invigorating ozone. Many of them settle in the city 
or in its adjacent commercial territory to embrace 
some of the many chances of profitable investment or to 
purchase the cheap farming and truck growing lands 
obtainable in this district, which are remarkably fer- 
tile. From these sources the population is materially 
increased. 

Location. 

The city of San Antonio is located in a healthful val- 
ley that has elevations on either side of it, and the San 
Antonio River and San Pedro Creek run through it, 
presenting no less than thirty miles of running water 
and necessitating thirty-one bridges, eighteen of iron 
and thirteen of wood. What is more, many bridges are 
in demand and are gradually being added. Nature has 
given a most beautiful site, and people are adding to its 
beauties in a most appropriate way. 

Extent. 

The city covers thirty-six square miles and has 443 

u 



miles of streets. Of this seventy-five miles are macad- 
amized and fourteen miles are well paved with asphalt, 
brick or mesquite blocks. The sidewalks are of cement, 
gravel, mesquite blocks, flagstones, brick and tile. 
There is one of the best sewerage systems, covering 
eighty miles, and being continually extended. There is 
a plentiful supply of water and gas. The telegraph 
and telephone wires are being gradually placed under- 
ground. 

Elevation. 

The elevation is considerable. The valley is 600 feet 
above the level of the sea, rising to 800 feet on the sur- 
rounding heights. 

Climate. 

The climate is most salubrious and pleasant. The 
thermometer ranges from 27 degrees in winter, though 
rarely so low, to 99 degrees in the summer. The cold 
spells are of short duration, being the tail end of bliz- 
zards, and the summer heat is tempered by the delight- 
ful cool gulf breeze, invigorating and permitting re- 
freshing sleep. The mean temperature is 68 degrees. 
There is a peculiar absence of humidity that is mate- 
rially beneficial. This is almost a land of perpetual 
summer, for the weather bureau chronicled 250 clear 
days last year. When Byron wrote : 

"Seek roses in December ; ice in June," 

he did not know Texas nor contemplate discoveries, for 
in Texas roses bloom all the year round, and San Anto- 
nio manufactures all the ice needed by her citizens. 
The mildness of the climate enables early fruition and 
profitable marketing of crops. 

Exemption from Epidemics. 

San Antonio is out of the range of cholera, yellow 
fever and malaria, and zymotic diseases are rare. 

12 



Cyclones and earthquakes are unknown and hail, snow 
and frost are seldom seen. There is not a more salu- 
brious city in the United States, nor one less liable to 
epidemics or catastrophes. 

Sanitation. 

The Board of Health is a most efficient one, and the 
wise sanitary ordinances are vigorously enforced. A 
large force of sanitary inspectors visit all the meat mar- 
kets, slaughter houses, hide dealers, fruit dealers, 
dairies and restaurants, etc., to see that the sanitary 
laws are observed and the pure food laws are enforced. 
The residences of citizens are periodically visited for 
observation. The streets are kept clean. There are 
boxes for the reception of trash, and there is a fine of 
$5 for spitting on the sidewalk and in public places. 
The idea "be sanitary and be sane" prevails. 

The Water Supply. 

The most important factor in a city's health is pure 
water, and in no place is to be found water that is 
purer and more healthful. The water is drawn from 
fourteen artesian wells from 750 to 2,000 feet deep, 
and the yield is 44,000,000 gallons per day, which can 
be increased. With such a climate, pure water and 
strict sanitation it is no wonder that San Antonio is 
the healthiest place to live in, and its death rate really 
the lowest. 

Hot Sulphur Wells. 

San Antonio's value as a health resort has been en- 
hanced by the opening of two sulphur wells, one near 
the State Asylum and the other at Terrell's Ranch. 
The former well is located on the asylum grounds and 
piped to the Hot Wells Hotel and Sanitarium. These 
wells are 2,000 feet deep ; the yield is 80,000 gallons per 

13 



day; temperature 104 to 106 degrees, and is strongly 
impregnated with sulphur. It has all the advantages 
of the famous Hot Springs of Arkansas and far less of 
its defects. In cases of impurities of the blood, kidney, 
and liver diseases, female complaints, goitre, etc., the 
hot wells have proved of great curative value and are 
used by patients from all parts. 

At Dullnig's Ranch is found sulphur, chalybeate and 
iron waters which are of great medicinal value and ex- 
tensively used. 

Aid to the Sick. 

The medical faculty is of high standard and under 
association rules. There are two remarkably fine hos- 
pitals, viz., the Physicians' and Surgeons' Hospital and 
the Santa Rosa Hospital, conducted by the Sisters. The 
poor are well treated in the city and county hospitals. 

Safety for Life and Property. 

In no place in the Union is law and order better 
maintained, and, in proportion to the population, there 
is less crime. This is remarkable, considering the cos- 
mopolitan character of the city. There is a good fire 
department, well equipped, fires are few and the loss, 
as a rule, trifling. 

Uses of Electricity. 

Possibly in no city is electricity more extensively 
used. The rapid transit system is in vogue here, and 
electric cars cover all the main sections of the city, and, 
by a system of transfer, at a 5 cents fare. For heating 
and lighting gas and electricity are much used. The 
streets are lighted by arc lights, and in the main streets 
by arches and incandescent lights, extending over the 
streets. There are myriads of illuminated buildings 
and electric signs that at night give the city the glamor 
of the Arabian Nights. In no city in the South is 
greater splendor exhibited in that respect. 

14 







u 



Many Pretty Parks. 

San Antonio has been called " the City of Parks," 
and she deserves the name, for there are no less than 
fourteen public parks in the limits of the city. Three 
of these, Brackenridge Park, San Pedro Park and 
Mahncke Park, are spacious and have no superior in 
natural beauty and artistic effect. They are well kept 
and "things of beauty and joy forever," useful to the 
people and attractive to the visitors. 

Public and Private Buildings. 

All these are rich and attractive. The City Hall is 
the grandest in the State; there is no finer Court House, 
and the Postoffice is an artistic gem. There are large 
and ornate stores and buildings, and the residences of 
the citizens, in grandeur and elegance, will compare 
most favorably with any other city of the same size and 
then stand far ahead. 

The Greatness of the Past. 

While San Antonio has reason to be proud of her 
present status, the whole, in grandeur and interest, is 
overshadowed by a brilliant past and the monuments 
that remain to this day. There is the immortal Alamo, 
which tells of the great heroes who defended it against 
the hordes of Santa Anna, and by their death and 
funeral pyre lighted the way to the liberty and inde- 
pendence of this glorious State ; there are the grand old 
missions, justly venerated for spreading the Christian 
religion and laying the foundation of our present high 
state of civilization. All around are monuments of the 
past, living and real, that illustrate the proudest phase 
of Texan history. We are proud of them, and so are 
visitors from all parts of the world who know the his- 
tory of Texas and the services which the good old pa- 
is 



triots rendered to the State in securing its freedom 
from Mexican thraldom and tyranny and made Texas 
the greatest State of the grandest Union that ever 
adorned the world. The various stages of Texan his- 
tory are found in other parts of the guide. 

Blending of the Old and New. 

One of the peculiar things of San Antonio is the old 
blending with the new. , We find the old, narrow 
crooked Spanish streets giving way to the wide, 
straight streets of modern cities; the old, solid, one- 
story adobe store is superceded by many-storied build- 
ings of brick, rock and iron, and the little adobe cot- 
tages give place to palacial residences. All is being 
blended, the new with the old, until the new wholly 
eclipses the past. In the same way, it is with people. 
The old citizens get lost in the crowds of newcomers, 
and the picturesque garb of the Texans, Mexicans, cow- 
boys, plantation darkies, Orientals, etc., are giving 
place to the average American costumes of the day, and 
the true spirit of Americanism permeates all. This is 
as it should be — a populace as a grand unit. 

Mexican Population. 

As San Antonio is of Spanish-Mexican origin, it is 
natural that there are large numbers of that race in 
the city. There are of two classes of the Mexicans, the 
caballero of the upper class and the peons — laborers, 
mainly of the Mexican Indian character. Many who 
are termed Americans have a large percentage of Span- 
ish blood in their veins. The cabellero are well edu- 
cated, refined and courteous and will be found in the 
principal county and city offices and in the professions. 
The peons, as a rule, are courteous, industrious and 
fairly, though not well educated, but there is a marked 
improvement in the new generations. They are indus- 
trious, and most of the unskilled labor devolves upon 

16 



them. They are naturally artistic and musical. They 
are good citizens as a body, but have a veneration for 
Mexico. The two great celebrations of our sister Re- 
public, the "Cinco de Mayo," celebrating the victory 
of Diaz and Zaragosa over Maximilian's forces at 
Puebla and the "Diez y seis Septiembre" (sixteenth of 
September) , which celebrates the famous rising of Pere 
Hidalgo against the Spanish rule in Mexico, are publicly 
celebrated with great pomp and pride each year, and 
the Mexican Magna Charta, February 5, is somewhat 
observed. The Mexicans also participate in the Amer- 
ican National holidays. In law ail "Mexicans" are 
classed as "whites" and are not subject to the restric- 
tions imposed on the negroes, and "whites" and Mexi- 
cans often intermarry. 

Mexican Sports. 

Bull fighting and cock fighting were the principal 
sports of the Mexican people in the city. The former 
was prohibited long ago, and more recently public cock 
fighting has been placed under the ban. The latter was 
the most popular. Nearly every Mexican had his pet 
belligerent roosters, and there were frequent cocking 
mains at the cock pits and in various private places. 
The combatants were armed with knives as "spurs," 
and it was not unusual that one or both were killed in 
the encounter. It is now unlawful, but it is said that 
the "sport" is often privately enjoyed. 

The Negroes. 

Naturally, there are many negroes here, but not so 
many as there are in other prominent Texas cities. 
They range in color from the blackest to the octoroon. 
The modern negro is not so honest, docile or faithful 
as the plantation darkies, but they are fairly well educ- 
cated and well behaved, live decently and in apparent 
comfort. They are fairly temperate and industrious. 
The better class are preachers, lawyers, doctors, and 

17 



are found in various trades and professions, but the 
majority are employed as mechanics, drivers, porters, 
cooks, waiters, domestic servants, and the main part of 
the unskilled and rough labor is performed by the ne- 
groes and Mexicans. In schools, theatres, street cars, 
railroad trains, the "whites" are by law seperated from 
the negroes, and this policy is pursued as far as prac- 
tical. But for all this, the negroes are well treated by 
the whites, live comfortably, dress well, are allowed the 
free privilege of the ballot and are prosperous. Misceg- 
ination is illegal. 

Homes and Their Protection. 

San Antonio has a great element of success in the 
number of permanent homes, far greater than in other 
cities, and the great policy of the State has been to 
protect the home. Land has been comparatively cheap 
and building materials reasonable. Everything is fa- 
vorable to the owning of a homestead. By law the 
home is exempted from seizure for debt or anything ex- 
cept for part of purchase money, improvements made 
thereon and taxes. This exemption includes 200 acres 
of land and improvements thereon, all household and 
kitchen furniture, all tools, apparatus and implements 
of industry and agriculture, two yoke of oxen, yoke and 
chains, two horses, wagon and buggy or family car- 
riage, harness, bridles and saddles, five milch cows and 
calves, one bull, twenty hogs, twenty head of sheep, 
goats, chickens, one gun, clothing and all forage and 
food for home consumption. Current salary and wages 
are also exempt from attachment. These provisions 
are liberal and rigidly maintained. 

Good Government. 

The County of Bexar, in which San Antonio is situ- 
ated, and the city, have good and liberal governments, 
which do all possible to promote the interests of the 
people. 

18 



Commerce. 

All the advantages herein detailed would be worth- 
less if not backed by commerce and other sources of 
wealth to provide necessary means for the citizens, 
and in all these San Antonio is the richest city in the 
State. There are fourteen banks, with a capital of 
$4,000,000 and deposits of $14,000,000. The wholesale 
nouses and factories have a trade territory that is 
larger than the State of Ohio, and extends to Mexico 
and the South American States. The duty paid here 
for imported goods amounts to $30,000. Cotton, corn, 
hides, cattle farm and truck products are a great source 
of revenue. The Federal Government, at its offices and 
the military post, expends millions of dollars in the 
city, the railroads expend large sums for wages, etc., 
and the visiting tourists are liberal contributors to San 
Antonio's wealth. 

Manufactories. 

There are 150 factories in the city, which are exten- 
sive employers of labor and the makers and distributors 
of wealth. These include two of the largest breweries 
in the South. There are other breweries, flour mills, 
iron foundries, machine supply shops and wood work- 
ers. There are also plants for the production of soda 
water, candies, pickles, sauces, vinegars, ornamental 
caps and artificial stone, bar fixtures, billiard tables, 
cabinet work, barrel and tank factories, monumental 
works, brick and sewer pipe works, broom and soap 
factories, type foundries and a host of other necessities 
that are manufactured right in the city. Returns from 
twenty-five of the big factories show receipts of 
$8,000,000 and an expenditure of $5,000,000 paid for 
labor, much of which is unskilled. All the other indus- 
tries would materially swell these figures. 

What is Needed. 
There is need of cotton and woolen factories, cloth- 

19 



ing factory, tannery and boot factory, paper mills and 
other industries to utilize the raw material here. The 
discovery of oil will solve the power question. There 
is here the finest kaolin for pottery and sand that will 
make the finest glass. A bonanza awaits those who 
enter on these industries. 

Oil Discovery. 

There is not the slightest doubt that oil and natural 
gas exist in large and paying quantities, and that this is 
of a high grade is proved by the discoveries at Mission 
Field, Dullnig Ranch and in other places. When these 
fields are developed they will add materially to the pros- 
perity of the city. 

Life in San Antonio. 

With its delightful climate and its many sources of 
wealth, San Antonio would be of little advantage with- 
out its high state of civilization, congenial surround- 
ings and the means to enjoy the good things that make 
life worth living for both sexes and for all ages, and on 
this line the city has no superior. 

Character of the People. 

The white people of San Antonio are intelligent, re- 
fined, patriotic, liberal and hospitable. They have 
the colonial pride, the Southern liberality and the Span- 
ish courtesy all delightfully blended, and their sur- 
roundings are such as to create and maintain a high 
and commendable soeial status.. 

Educational Facilities. 

As a base of education San Antonio stands supreme, 
and children are sent here from all parts of the State 
and Mexico to enjoy the many advantages that the San 
Antonio school system present. 

20 



Wise Provisions. 

The patriotic founders of the State provided liberally 
for the free education of posterity by the setting aside 
of school lands, and as a result Texas has a State school 
fund of $64,000,000 in bonds and land that admits of a 
grant of $5 to each child of scholastic age who attends 
the public schools. This, of course, augments the 
amount raised for such purpose by special taxation. 

The Public Schools. 

The system adopted for public schools is one of the best 
in the United States, and the standard is very high. 
There is one high school of a collegiate character and 
no less than twenty-five other schools for the various 
grades, and also a grammar school. The buildings are 
spacious, well located and generally of brick or rock. 
Provisions are made for the separate education of the 
colored and white children. There are 198 teachers 
employed, and the salary list last year amounted to 
$140,000. The enrollment of pupils at this writing is 
over 13,000, and addition will no doubt be made to the 
list. Children of citizens receive tuition free of charge, 
except for school books. If there is room pupils from 
outside may be received, but for this a low charge is 
made. The schools are managed by a board elected by 
the people, but the members receive no salary for their 
services. The board is independent of municipal con- 
trol and is non-political, as it should be. 

Denominational and Private Schools. 

In addition to the public schools there are a large 
number of private and religious colleges and other 
scholastic institutions for girls and boys, or for both. 
These are found on good, healthy sites, and enclosed in 
spacious grounds. They have good faculties, are well 
managed, and the terms are reasonable. The Roman 

21 



Catholic Church has several grand institutions, notably 
the St. Mary's and St. Louis Colleges and those at Lake 
View, Brackenridge Villa and the old Ursuline Convent. 
It has also a theological seminary, by the Oblate 
Fathers, for the training of priests. The Episcopalians 
have the West Texas Military Academy for boys and St. 
Mary's Hall for girls. There are many others of high 
order. All the schools are well attended and the pupils 
are another material source of revenue to the citizens. 

Churches for All. 

The religious of all denominations will find all neces- 
sary accommodations. There are fifty-five churches, 
which include Episcopalians (5) ; Methodist Episco- 
palian (12), Roman Catholis (12), Baptist (5), Luth- 
eran (3), Evangelical (3), Jewish (2), Christian (2), 
Christian Science (2), Westminster (1), Presbyterian 
(2), Methodist Episcopalian, South (1), Young Men's 
Christian Associations (2) . The Salvation Army and 
Texas Crusaders operate here, and Mormonism and 
Dowieism are represented. 

Social and Club Life. 

Men, and even women, are social animals. Each want 
those pleasures that give zest to life, and if they do 
not find what they want in that line in San Antonio 
they are blase and need seek no further. In addition 
to the many delightful home functions there are public 
sources of pleasure that are most creditable. For the 
ladies there are the Women's Clubs for every conceiv- 
able object, and there are the Colonial Dames, the 
Daughters of the Confederacy, the Daughters of the 
Republic of Texas and the Woman's Relief Corps. There 
are also ladies' auxiliaries for nearly every secret so- 
ciety. 

The gentlemen are equally well provided for, and can 
enjoy club life at the San Antonio Club, the Masonic 

22 



Temple, and with the Elks. Much congenial entertain- 
ment will be found for golfers at the Country Club in 
its palatial quarters and grounds. The Officers' Club at 
the military headquarters is another grand feature to 
those who are fortunate enough to get the entre to it. 
The San Antonio Turn-Verein, Beethoven Maennerchor 
and Casino associations afford Germans a congenial 
club life. Young men have their club at the Young 
Men's Christian Association, the railroad men at the 
Railroad Young Men's Christian Association, Roman 
Catholics at the Catholic Club, and Union men at the 
Trades Council Hall. Nearly every secret society or 
trades union has a lodge or branch here, where mem- 
bers can find congenial brethren. Many find intellec- 
tual recreation at the Carnegie Library, and the philo- 
sophical have a congenial resort in the Scientific So- 
ciety. Then there are singing societies, bowling clubs, 
cricket clubs, shooting, riding and fishing and hunting 
clubs, golf, lawn tennis and polo clubs. Every man 
can amuse himself to the fulness of his bent, and in his 
own especial way. 

It should be added that the British, French, Ger- 
mans, Swiss, Poles, Irish and Mexicans have social and 
benevolent societies for their respective compatriots. 

Theatrical Amusement. 

At the Grand Opera House, largest in the State, the 
leading attractions are played in the season, and at the 
Empire Opera House there is always a good stock com- 
pany attraction at popular prices. There are also cheap 
theaters and moving picture shows. The Lyceum attrac- 
tions are presented in the city, and occasional special 
concerts and entertainments are given in the public 
halls. 

Carnivals, Fairs and Sports. 

The Spring Carnival and beautiful Battle of Flowers, 
in celebration of San Jacinto's victory, is held here 

23 



every year in April. It attracts many visitors and is 
the source of pleasure and profit. In the fall the San 
Antonio International Fair is opened, showing fine 
agricultural and cattle exhibits. The Republic of Mex- 
ico, also, courteously sends a grand exhibit. There are 
many attractions, including a good midway, horse, bi- 
cycle and automobile racing. There is a league and 
other baseball teams, football matches, racing, shoot- 
ing, bowling contests and athletic sports. 

The Sportsman's Paradise. 

Is surely located in this section; good fishing and 
duck hunting can be had, by permit, at Mitchell's 
or at the West End Lake. Small game is found on the 
outskirts of the city and deer is taken there in season. 
Between San Antonio and the Rio Grande and the coast 
is the finest hunting and fishing grounds in the coun- 
try. 

Railroads. 

The following railroads have direct connection with 
San Antonio, viz., the Southern Pacific and Galveston, 
Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroads, the International 
& Great Northern and Iron Mountain Railroads, the 
Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, and the San An- 
tonio & Aransas Pass Railroad. These are Northern, 
Eastern and Mexican connections. The Southern Pa- 
cific has a handsome depot here, used also by the 
"Katy," and is erecting a new and spacious freight de- 
pot to accommodate the ever increasing traffic. The 
International & Great Northern has another grand de- 
pot, erected at a cost of over $100,000, and ere long 
the "Sap" will erect a new depot. The depots of San 
Antonio are the largest and grandest in the State. 

Hotels and Apartments. 

The traveling public and tourists find good accommo- 

24 



dation in San Antonio. In hotels there are the grand 
old "Menger," the cosy "Bexar," the "New Maverick" 
and the stockman's house, "The Southern." There 
are numerous small hotels, apartment houses and lodg- 
ing houses to suit the conditions of all. A million dol- 
lar hotel, with all modern fittings in the style of the 
Planters' Hotel, St. Louis, is to be erected on the site 
of the old Mahncke Hotel, corner of Houston and St. 
Mary's Streets. 

Newspapers and Periodicals. 

San Antonio is well supplied with newspapers and 
other publications, and these are all excellent in their 
way. They are as follows : 

Daily — "Daily Express," (Independent Democrat) 
with weekly and semi-weekly editions ; the "San Anto- 
nio Gazette" (Democrat) , evening paper; "San Antonio 
Daily Light," (Republican), evening paper;" Freie 
Presse fuer Texas," (German), also weekly. 

Weekly— "Southern Messenger" (Catholic), "Week- 
ly Dispatch" (Labor), "Texas Staatz Zeitung" (Ger- 
man), "Texas Banner" (German), "El Rigidor" (Span- 
ish), "El Correos de Puebla (Spanish), "Passing 
Show" (Social) "Stockman and Farmer, Katholische 
Rundschau (German), 

Monthly — Ryder-Taylor's International Magazine of 
and for Texas, "The Freemason," "The Alamo." 

Yearly — Appier's San Antonio Directory. 

L'Envoi. 

In the foregoing I have endeavored to give the stran- 
ger some idea of what San Antonio is, the great ad- 
vantages she enjoys and the many attractions that she 
offers to visitors, who always find a cordial welcome, 
but it is impossible to do the subject justice in the 
brief space at my disposal. 



"Beautiful San Antonio" is the name given the city 
by many delighted visitors, and those who know it will 
say the title is well deserved. "Historic San Anto- 
nio," some cry, and never was a city that had a more 
romantic interest. "Healthy San Antonio," ex- 
claims the grateful invalid, and no one will dare con- 
tradict who knows its cool summer nights, its balmy 
winter days, its perpetual sunshine and flowers, and its 
benevolent sanitation. "Good old San Antonio" is a 
general salutation, and it is certainly "old" and "good." 

San Antonio stands today as the metropolis of Texas, 
and grows greater and grander every day. She is 
the grandest city in the greatest State of the best Re- 
public that ever adorned the world. Nature has so 
ordered it, and a free and intelligent people is complet- 
ing the grand destiny assigned to it. 

HENRY RYDER-TAYLOR. 




26 



San Antonio's History 



From its original foundation 
in 1 689 to the present time 
with all interesting details 
involved in the tragic 



STORY OF THE ALAMO 



SAN ANTONIO'S HISTORY 



Original Inhabitants. 

There seems to be every indication that this section 
of Texas was inhabited by three different classes of 
people in prehistoric days, and distinct traces of this 
have been found at Leon Springs, on the Colorado and 
the Rio Grande. One race had sun-dried bricks and 
half -dressed stone, indicative of a Toltec or Aztec ori- 
gin. Another race lived in long subterranean galleries, 
always well protected by earthworks, and inhabited 
places near the seacoast. Traces of their work is appar- 
ent. These people dwelt in cities, which must have 
been well populated. 

The third race was older and autocthonius, and were 
very numerous. They dwelt in small, mound-shaped 
houses, with walls made of loose stones and mud and 
roofs of grass and clay; the base of the houses were 
about three feet in the earth on a plan similar to the 
dugouts of Kansas. Miss Alma Ney has made consider- 
able investigation of what is supposed to be an Aztec 
city in the valley of the Colorado, near Marble Falls. 
The remnants of a palace and temple have been un- 
earthed. In them have been found broken antique pot- 
tery, head of war pole and nude sculptures, apparently 
of kings or chiefs. Nearby was found a temple, and the 
indications were of sun worship. There was an altar 
four feet high, with a solid top of granite seven feet by 
six feet. Near the altar was a hook-nosed God, with 
large ears and of monstrous appearance, supposed to 
represent a war god. A large sacrificial knife of bronze 
and several clay vessels were near the altar. The head 
of a monarch, crudely sculptured, was found, and it is 

29 



supposed to be that of Montezuma. There is an idea 
that this may be one of the Cibola from which Monte- 
zuma drew much of his golden treasure. There is much 
speculation, but its is not unnatural that many ages ago 
some Mexican or other races have settled in Texas. A 
further investigation may throw more light on this in- 
teresting subject. 

Foundation of the City. 

The early history of San Antonio is somewhat lost in 
obscurity, but there is distinct evidence that long before 
Columbus discovered America San Antonio was an In- 
dian village. From the correspondence between John 
Quincy Adams with Don Pedro de Cevallos and Don 
Louis de Orris it appears that when the Montezumas 
were all-powerful in Mexico the Nasonites and the 
Aztecs had a bloody feud, and in the end the Nasonites 
were defeated and driven northward out of Mexico, 
with their wives, families and movable property. They 
crossed the Rio Grande and came to the hills overlook- 
ing what is now San Antonio. They found springs 
yielding delightful, cool water, a beautiful river, splen- 
did shade, fish, game and food of all kinds. The climate 
was good, the ozone was delightful and vivifying breeze 
so refreshing. 'Twas then they exclaimed "Tejas, 
Tejas," which, in their language, meant ''land of the 
blessed" (Paradise) , and Texas, the name of the State, 
is the same in its corrected form. These Indians were 
called by the Spaniards "Sanez Payez y Vanos." Here 
Don Alonzo de Leon, Governor of Coahuila, found the 
people in 1689, happy, prosperous and hospitable. 
They received him with cries of "Tejas, Tejas," which 
he understood to mean "welcome." He was then re- 
turning from an expedition against the colony that La 
Salle had endeavored to establish on the coast. 

The First Settlement. 
The location of the first settlement is disputed. Gen- 

30 



erally it is placed at the Pueblos los Indos, on the San 
Pedro, but there are reasons to believe that it was east 
of the ford over the San Antonio River at what is now 
Mill Bridge, going eastward, so that Villita Street, as 
it now is, would be the center of the village. On the op- 
posite side of the river, around the site of the presnt 
Carnegie Library, was another village, known as "the 
Puebla de San Fernando," which is mentioned in early 
records, and was in existence when Don Domingo Ra- 
mon made the plans for the laying out of the city in 
proper form in 1716. This puebla may have been later 
than the others, but in any case it was evidently the 
most important and formed the nucleus of what was af- 
terwards the city of San Fernando de Bexar. 

First Mission Established. 

De Leon was so pleased with the people and the coun- 
try that he established a mission and placed Fra Da- 
mien Marquenet in charge, calling it the Mission of 
San Francisco de Tejas. Governor Domingo de Teran 
succeeded De Leon, and visited the mission in 1691, 
changing its name to San Francisco de la Espada (St. 
Francis of the Sword). The site of this mission, it is 
said, was near the mission that now bears that name. 
Church history shows that this mission was for some 
cause abandoned in 1693, and was not re-established 
until 1716. This story of the early settlement of San 
Antonio is confirmed by an official report of Count 
Revillo-Gigido, Viceroy of Mexico, to the King of Spain, 
dated December 27, 1793. 

The First Main Road. 

From these days until 1714 nothing definite is known. 
Then St. Denis came here for military operations and 
laid the old San Antonio road to Presidio, on the Rio 
Grande, which was the first element in the civilization 
that followed. 

31 



Missions Established. 

Two years later the Spanish government sent an ex- 
pedition under the Right Rev. Father Antonio Margil 
de Jesus, and these founded the old missions in and 
around the city. It is said a military post was then es- 
tablished here., first at San Pedro Springs, but, owing 
to the frequent attack of Indians, it was then removed 
to Military Plaza, and placed in a fenced pale. Any 
way, it is quite clear that De Aiarconne operated here in 
1718, and his mission was far from satisfactory. He 
was ordered to establish a presidio with fifty soldiers, 
master mechanics, blacksmiths and stone masons, to 
teach Indians, but complaints were made that he 
brought no workmen, and those men he brought were 
worthless characters. Ultimately a change was made, 
and thirty families were settled in the presidio, which 
was enclosed in palings. When war broke out between 
Spain and France the garrison was increased fifty- 
three, under the order of the Viceroy, the Marquis de 
Aguayo. 

The Arrival of the Spanish Colonists. 

The Marquis of Casa Fuertes visited the city before 
he became the Mexican Viceroy and became interested 
in it. It was mainly owing to his representation that 
the Spanish government sent out sixteen families of 
Spaniards from the Canary Islands, who settled here 
in 1730. These were entitled to the prefix "Don" and 
are the ancestors of the leading Spanish-Mexican fami- 
lies of the city. The village was then named San Fer- 
nando, in honor of Fernando III, King of Spain. A 
presidio, or garrisoned town, called Bexar, after the 
Duke of Bexar, then Viceroy, was created on November 
28, 1730. The original colonists, according to the lists 
in Guanitlan, Saltilio and Bexar, were Juan Leal Goraz, 
Juan Cubelo, Antonio Santos, Manuel de Niz, Salvador 

32 






Rodriguez, Juan Leal Alvarez, Joseph Padron, Antonio 
Rodriquez, Jose Cabrero, Francisco Arocha, Vicente 
Alvarez Travieso, Juan Delgado, Juan Leal El Moso, 
Maria Rodriguez, widow of Juan Cabrero, Maria Rod- 
riguez, widow of Juan Rodriguez Grandillo; Maria 
Mealeano, Felipe Perez, Joseph Antonio Perez, Martin 
Lorenzo De Armas. In addition to these were the fol- 
lowing officers or traders, who settled in the presidio : 
Pena, de Valle, Hernandez, Valdez, Nunez, Flores, Lo- 
pez, Trevino, Ximenez, Caro, Menchaco Urrutia, Gon- 
zales, de los Santos, Coy, Garza, Martinez, Guerrero, 
Montez de Ochoa, Sanchez, Monte Mayor, de la Serda, 
Chavez, Solis, Barrera, Musquiz, Seguin, Ruiz, Na- 
varro, De Zavala Galan, Saucedo Ramirez, Herrera, 
Silvero, Garcia, Huisar Cantu, Pereida, Pena, Rivas ? , 
Villemain, Penalosa, Cervantez, Villanueva, Sandoval, 
Alvarez, Villareal, Granado, Saenz, Zambrano, Delgado, 
Gotori, Salcedo and others. Cassiano is not Span- 
ish. The family are of Italian origin. Jose Cas- 
sini was born in Genoa, Italy, of good family, ran 
away from home and settled in New Orleans, where he 
became a merchant and did considerable trading with 
Texas. He sold out and settled in San Antonio and be- 
came, in Spanish form, Cassiano. He married the 
widow of Governor Cordero, and they had a son, Igna- 
cia, who married Margareta Rodriguez, a colonel's 
widow. From this union Jose Cassiano, ex-county- 
collector, and Mrs. Gertrude Cassiano Smith (wife of 
Captain C. P. Smith and mother of Alderman C. C. 
Smith) were born. 

Laying Out the City. 

The Province of Texas, which included the New 
Philippines, was created by Marquis de Casa Fuertes, 
the Viceroy of New Spain, as Mexico was then called, 
and the Marquis de Aguayo was appointed Governor. 
That was in 1731, and the city was laid out in streets 
and blocks. The town then seems to have consisted 

33 



simply of what is now known as the Main and Military 
Plazas. The eastern half, known then as the Plaza de 
Los Islas (now Main Plaza) was reserved for the 
church and ecclesiastical purposes (just where San Fer- 
nando Cathedral now is) and for the Spanish immi- 
grants who came from the Canary Isles, and it was 
called "Plaza de Constitution." The western half was 
known as the Plaza des Armes (Military Plaza), and 
around this were the official offices and soldiers' quar- 
ters. 

An Interesting Relic. 

A reminder of this is found in an old building on the 
west side of military plaza and directly opposite the 
City Hall, where the arms of Spain and Austria are 
displayed over the door and an old hitching ring is seen. 
This was the palacio of the famous Governor Cordero, 
who resided there in 1749, and who, it is stated, was 
later tried and executed for treason, his head being 
placed on a pole where the City Hall is now located. 
This is the story told by many historias. It is alleged 
that Cordero was among those prisoners taken by the 
Magee expedition, but he was no traitor, and was fight- 
ing loyally for the King of Spain. Delgado is supposed 
to have taken special umbrage at Cordero for alleged 
cruelty and execution of his (Dejgado's) father, and 
the inference is that the story may be true. The Cas- 
sianos declare that Cordero escaped to Mexico and died 
at Durango, where his grave is to be seen this day. 

The City's Charter. 

In 1733 a charter was granted to the city by the King 
of Spain, the city being officially styled San Antonio de 
Bexar. Its existence has been proved by law, but the 
original charter has not been seen since 1834. A garri- 
son of 117 men, under Captain Don Antonio de Alma- 
zon was then located here. 

34 



First Americans Seen. 

The first Americans seen here was in 1801. These 
were survivors of the company of Phil Nolan, who were 
prisoners, and were en route to Mexico under guard. 
There are reasons, however, to believe that white 
traders had previously visited the Indians. 

Pike's Visit. 

In June, 1807, the great explorer, Lieutenant Zebulon 
Pike, was in San Antonio on his surveying trip, and was 
the guest of Governors Cordero and Herrera. He re- 
ports a city of perhaps 2000 souls, most of whom reside 
in mud houses, with grass roofs. He was well received 
and pleased with the reception. 

Casas' Remarkable Revolution. 

On Jan. 22, 1811, there occurred in this city, then 
called San Fernando de Bexar, one of the most remark- 
able revolutions that are known in the world's history. 
The originator of this was Captain Juan Bautista Ca- 
sas, an officer of the garrison, and he, by false pretext, 
gained the soldiers to support his cause. He then 
arrested Lieut. Col. Manuel De Salcedo and Lieut. Col. 
Simon de Herrera, two ex-governors, several Spanish 
officers and citizens and put them in the Alamo as 
state prisoners. He then caused himself to be pro- 
claimed governor pro tern, and assumed the office. 
Then, in his proclamation as governor, he denounced 
the Europeans (Spanish) and declared a policy that 
was really "Texas for the Texans," but at the same 
time he professed loyalty to the Spanish king and the 
Roman Catholic church. Soon after it was evident 
that he was in correspondence with a revolutionary 
leader in Mexico, Lieut. Gen. Mariano Ximinez. He 
sent the Spanish prisoners from the Alamo to the Pre- 

35 



sidio Del Rio Grande, at Laredo, then in charge of 
Major Pedro Antonio Aguilas, an insurgent of Mexico. 
He also sent soldiers to La Bahia and Nacogdoches to 
arrest the commanders of the garrisons there and cer- 
tain specified citizens. The government was of a cha- 
otic character and growing worse. Then Father Zam- 
brano secretly organized a junta for government of 
the city, composed of the leading citizens who had es- 
caped arrest, and it was as follows: Juan Manuel 
Zambrano, president ; Jose Antonio Saucedo, secretary ; 
members: Antonio Saenz, Ignacio Perez, Miguel Mus- 
quiz, Luciano Garcia, Erasmus Seguin, Louis Galan, 
Manuel Barrera, Juan Jose Zambrano, Garino Delgado, 
Vicente Gorton. The junta worked secretly and well, 
gained the favor of the soldiers and then, on March 
20, 1811, two months after his assumption of power, 
arrested Casas and confined him in the Alamo on a 
charge of treason. It then issued a proclamation and 
took charge of the presidio. On May 14 following, 
Casas was brought before a court martial in San Fer- 
nando de Bexar, charged with high treason. Casas 
endeavored to get the hearing deferred on a plea of ill- 
ness, but he only succeeded in getting the case trans- 
ferred to Monclova, Mexico. There he was put on 
trial July 29, 1811, and on August 1 he was found 
guilty, and condemned to be degraded, shot in the back 
as a traitor, and that after death his head should be 
severed from his body by the public executioner and 
sent to San Fernando de Bexar. His estate was also 
declared forfeited to the government. The sentence 
was duly carried cut on August 3, 1811, and the head 
of Casas was sent from Monclova to San Fernando de 
Bexar in the charge of two soldiers. These facts are 
given in no other history, and have only been lately 
known by the translation of an important state paper 
from the archives of Bexar county that are now cared 
for in the capitol. 

The head of Casas was sent to San Fernando de 
Bexarin accordance with an ancient custom of expos- 

36 



ing the heads of traitors as a warning to the people 
but there is no record of any such exposure. There 
is, however, a story told that about this time the head 
of a traitor was placed on a pole, where the city hall 
now stands and it has been asserted that the head was 
that of ex-Governor Cordero; and it is so recorded in 
some histories, but as Cordero was no traitor and his 
relatives declare that he died in Durango, Mexico, 
where his remains were certainly buried, it may be 
fairly assumed that the ghastly head exhibited was that 
of the traitor Casas, and it was placed there in pursu- 
ance to the sentence of the court martial of which, 
strange to say, Cordero was president. The Spanish 
prisoners taken by Casas were released, but most of 
them, having been afterward taken prisoners by the 
Magee invaders, were massacred in the following year 
by the infamous Delgado, contrary to the usages of 
war, and this massacre was the main cause of the 
failure of the Magee expedition to capture Texas and 
make it an independent American state. 

The Magee Expedition. 

Then followed Major Kemper, the Magee expedition, 
who marched into San Antonio, defeated General Sal- 
cedo at the battle of Rosalio, and captured San Antonio 
in 1812. This was followed by the murder of loyal 
Spaniards by Delgado and the retirement of the leading 
Americans in disgust. This is the instance in which it 
is alleged Governor Cordero was executed. 

Battle of the Alazan. 

The Spaniards, under General Elisondo, who cap- 
tured and shot Pere Hidalgo and the leaders of the 
revolution of 1810, made an attempt to recapture San 
Antonio, and on June 4, 1813, arrived at the Alazan 
and camped there. Under a flag of truce Elizondo 
demanded the unconditional surrender of the city, and 

37 



the citizens were given until next morning to answer 
the demand. Captain Perry of the American forces, 
reinforced by Mexicans, under Guiterez and Menchaca, 
at night, stole out of the city and attacked the Span- 
iards while at matins. The Spaniards were surprised 
and routed, losing 1,000 men in killed, wounded and 
prisoners. The remainder of Elisondo's army fled to 
the Rio Grande. Perry's army lost about fifty killed, 
and the same number of men were wounded. Had 
Elisondo made a prompt attack on the Americans in- 
stead of giving them time to reorganize it is thought 
the conditions would have been reversed. 

Soon after this General Arredondo organized an- 
other and larger Spanish army and, aided by Elisondo, 
marched against San Antonio and camped on the Me- 
dina, formed his army in the V shape, which permitted 
a most dangerous trap, and which the impetuous con- 
fidence of the Americans, bolstered by victory over 
Elsondo, led them right into. The Americans, too, 
made the mistake of attacking Arredondo instead of 
awaiting the Spanish general's attack. 

Arredondo Recaptures the City. 

The revolutionists were commanded by General To- 
ledo, and consisted of 300 Americans, under Colonel 
Perry and 600 Mexicans, commanded by Colonel Men- 
chaco. The armies met in combat on the Medina August 
18, 1813. General Toledo and his force were defeated, 
and General Arredondo marched in triumph to San An- 
tonio. Arredondo, in a spirit of revenge, treated all 
with great severity. Seven hundred people were ar- 
rested and imprisoned, and many were shot without 
pretence of trial. Three hundred prisoners were con- 
fined one night in one house, and eighteen died of suffo- 
cation. The women did not escape persecution. They 
were confined in a prison derisively called La Quinta. 
This prison was located on Dwyer Avenue, near the 
Court House. Five hundred of the wives and daughters 

38 



of colonists were so confined for four months, and com- 
pelled to convert twenty-four bushels of Indian corn 
daily into tortillas for the army. The property of citi- 
zens was also confiscated. Gradually, however, the 
prisoners were released and a more benevolent ruling 
prevailed, but the rebellion was never forgiven or for- 
gotten. 

AfosEs Austin Arrives. 

But the dawn of liberty was approaching. Early in 
1830 Moses Austin, formerly of Connecticut, but more 
recently of Mississippi, visited San Antonio. He de- 
sired to establish an American colony, and sought the 
sanction of the government and a grant of land for that 
purpose. He saw Governor Antonio Martinez and he, 
ever suspicious of Americans, not only refused, but or- 
dered Austin to leave under threats of imprisonment 
if he failed to do so. He had almost given up his 
project when he met Baron de Bastrop, whom he had 
known in New Orleans, and who induced the Governor 
to reconsider the matter, and eventually the desired per- 
mission was given and the grant of land was made. 
Moses Austin, however, died before he could accomplish 
his purpose, and the project was left for his son, 
Stephen Fuller Austin, to complete. 

Austin's Colony. 

Stephen F. Austin and nis colonists arrived at Aus- 
tin Creek, near Brenham, .December 21, 1821, and soon 
laid out San Felipe. The proper papers not having 
arrived, Austin went to the City of Mexico, and then, 
owing to revolutionary times, he had difficulty in secur- 
ing them. He, however, got them. Austin was made 
chief judge and Baron Bastrop was appointed commis- 
sioner to issue land titles. Favorable legislation fol- 
lowed in 1824 and 1828, guaranteeing protection and a 
liberal allotment of land. Then came freedom from 

39 



import duties on all family supplies and exemption 
from taxation for two years. Texas and Coahuila were 
made one of the federated States, were allowed two 
representatives, and State headquarters were estab- 
lished in Bexar. The colonists were happy, contented 
and prosperous. They built nomes, raised crops, and 
their progress was most satisfactory. They were loyal 
citizens and took care not to mix in any of the many 
political revolutionary schemes that were prevalent 
in those days. Had the Mexican authorities kept faith 
with the colonists there would have been no revolution 
against Mexico. 

Changes for the Worse. 

The success of the Mexican revolution and the rise 
of Santa Anna to the dictatorship had a material 
effect upon Texas. It was attached to Coahuila 
and Saltillo became the capital. By this change 

San Antonio lost not only the governor, but the as- 
sessor or judicial counsel. The latter was the greatest 
loss, for he had frequently to be consulted, and to do so 
meant an overland journey of 600 miles and incurring 
the danger of Indians and wild beasts. The danger 
from Indians was then very great, for in ten years 
ninety-seven people had been murdered by them. An- 
other grievance was want of schooling, and up to 1832 
there was only one teacher, who was barely competent 
and badly paid. 

Bowie on the Scene. 

In 1830 Colonel James Bowie and his brother, Reinzi 
B. Bowie, arrived in the city. James married the pretty 
daughter of Don Veramendi, of the Veramendi House, 
and became popular by his geniality, liberality and per- 
sonal bravery. He was the inventor of the Bowie knife, 
bo long popular in the South. Bowie afterwards joined 
the Texan army, fought bravely and became a Colonel 

40 



in rank and was in joint command of the Alamo 
when it fell. He was sick at the time, and Travis, who 
was Lieutenant Colonel, was in actual command. It is 
generally supposed that Bowie was a man of giant 
statue.. It is a mistake. In fact, he was tall, thin and 
weighed only 140 pounds. His victories in his famous 
duels were due more to his catlike agility than his great 
strength. 

The Constitution Violated. 

The Constitution of 1824 guaranteed colonists free 
title to the land on which they settled and improved, 
but now money was demanded for titles, taxes became 
oppressive and commerce was restricted. All this 
created dissatisfaction, because it was directed against 
the colonists, and this increased when the colonists 
were required to surrender their private arms, the only 
means they had of defense from the incursion of the In- 
dians. The conditions grew worse and unbearable 
under the tryrannical rule of Santa Anna. He hated 
the colonists strove to crush them. He intensified 
American feeling when he ordered the arrest of Lo- 
renzo de Zavala, R. M. Williamson, W. B. Travis, Mor- 
ley Baker, R. H. Williams, Joe Zambrano, I. M. Carava- 
hal, Frank W. Johnson, John H. Moore, who were 
undesirable citizens in the eyesT of the Spanish ty- 
rant. Santa Anna's spite was especially directed 
against De Zavala, who was a prominent Spaniard, and 
who was a loyal friend of the Texans, and served them 
faithfully and well. He was the grandfather of Miss 
Adina de Zavala, and the local chapter of the Daugh- 
ters of the Republic of Texas is named in his honor. 
General Ugartecha was in command of San An- 
tonio, with an army of 500 men, and enforced action 
against the colonists, going so far as to arrest several 
citizens without real cause, merely because they were 
opposed to Mexican tyranny. 



41 



Opening of the War. 

General Ugartecha was succeeded by Governor Per- 
fecto de Cos, brother-in-law of Santa Anna, who came 
with increased forces, and he sent a detachment of sol- 
diers to Gonzales to demand a "four-pounder" that the 
citizens had to protect them from the weekly raids of 
Indians. The demand was refused, and the soldiers at- 
tempted to take it by force. They fired on the citizens, 
a fight ensued, and the soldiers were routed and re- 
turned to San Antonio. This was open rebellion. The 
Texans organized their forces, and, choosing Stephen F. 
Austin as commander, prepared to fight for liberty or 
death. It was then decided that San Antonio must be 
taken and held, and Austin, with only a force of 600 
men, marched on to San Antonio and encamped at the 
Mission San Francisco de la Espada. De Cos had 
then over 1,000 men, and was looking for reinforce- 
ments from Mexico. Austin sent a flag of truce to De 
Cos, but the latter refused to recognize Austin. Then 
the war began in earnest. 

Battle of Mission Concepcion. 

After some little skirmishing, on October 27, 1835, 
General Austin ordered Colonel James Bowie and Cap- 
tain J. W. Fannin, who was afterwards massacred with 
his command at Goliad, to take ninety men and recon- 
noitre the old missions to find a more suitable place for 
camping. The party arrived at the Mission Concep- 
cion and encamped there on October 28. In the morn- 
ing they found themselves surrounded by Mexicans on 
three sides and the river in the rear. To retreat meant 
death. They would not surrender, and they at once 
formed and vigorously attacked the enemy. A terrible 
hand-to-hand fight ensued, but the colonists succeeded 
in routing the enemy, who fled, leaving its guns and 
ammunition. Of the ninety-two Americans only one 

42 



man, Robert Andrews, was killed. The Mexicans had 
400 men in action. Of these sixty were killed and forty 
wounded. 

The Grass Fight. 

On the 26th of November, 1835, followed the famous 
Grass Fight, so called because the colonists came upon a 
party of 100 Mexicans who had been sent to cut fodder. 
It was at first supposed to be Ugartecha's reinforce- 
ments from Mexico. The enemy was about a mile from 
the city, and took refuge in a ravine, and were rein- 
forced from the city. The colonists, under Bowie, at- 
tacked the enemy, who retreated, fighting, to the city, 
where, under protection of heavy guns, they entered. 
The force on this occasion was about equal. The col- 
onists' loss was one killed, two wounded. The Mexi- 
can loss was fifty killed and several wounded. 

Burleson in Command. 

At this time General Austin, being appointed Com- 
missioner for the United States, resigned, and the com- 
mand devolved on General E. R. Burleson, and it was 
decided to capture the city. After a stirring address 
by Captain W. H. Jack a call for volunteers was made, 
and 450 gallant men responded. Among them were 
some of the noted New Orleans Greys, and it was de- 
cided that the attack should be made at dawn next day 
(December 3, 1835). 

During the night it was reported that some one had 
left camp, and it was feared that the plans had been 
betrayed. Some were in favor of falling back on Go- 
liad, so the plan was abandoned. Next day Maverick, 
Holmes and Smith, who had been imprisoned by De Cos 
and released, came into camp and gave important infor- 
mation as to De Cos' garrison and defenses of the city. 

Ben Milam to the Front. 
Colonel Milam ("Old Ben Milam" ) suggested ac- 

43 



tion, and General Burleson gave consent. Colonel 
Milam gave an immense hurrah that drew the men 
around him, and then shouted : "Who will go with old 
Ben Milam into San Antonio?" In an instant 300 dar- 
ing, sturdy men were at his side, pledged to the attack. 
Colonel Milam was selected to lead the attack, and he 
and his glorious 300 encamped that night on the old 
Molino Blanco, which was then situated at the corner 
of Ninth and Oakland Streets. The remainder of the 
force was held in reserve. 

Milam's Attack on San Antonio 

In accordance with a well-arranged plan, at 3 a. m., 
December 5, 1835, Colonel Neill and a party of the re- 
serves crossed the river and made an attack on the 
Alamo to draw the enemy's force to that side, and he 
kept up the attack until 9 a. m., when he retired in good 
order to camp. In the meantime Colonel Milam, with 
his men in two divisions, one commanded by Major 
Morris and the other by Major F. W. Johnson, crossed 
the river and proceeded by two routes to the main 
part of the city. Arriving where the corner of 
Houston Street and Main avenue now is, one di- 
vision attacked the Garza House, corner of Main 
Avenue and Veramendi Street, and the other the Vera- 
mendi House. They were met with a heavy fire of 
grape and musketry, and little progress could be made. 
The second day the enemy were firing at them from the 
tops of houses and directing steady cannonading at 
them. All the colonists could do was to return the fire 
and strengthen their position. It was then decided to 
take houses as they came to them and make egress with 
pickaxes and dash at the next house. On the next day 
Ben Milam was shot through the head and killed. There 
are different accounts of the killing, but the story told 
by the late Sam A. Maverick is no doubt correct. At 
the time Ben Milam was talking to Major Johnson 
and Mr. Maverick was beside him, in the door of the 

44 



Veramendi Palace. A Mexican sharpshooter was con- 
cealed in a big cypress tree that was then on the river 
in the rear of the de la Zerda homestead, next to the 
Maverick homestead, now the Kampmann building, 
and, taking deliberate aim at Milam, fired the fatal shot. 
The ball passed through Milam's head and he fell dead 
into Mr. Maverick's arms. The body was buried in 
the courtyard of the palace till exhumed and buried in 
Milam Square. Major Johnson then assumed command 
of the expedition. The first division then forced its 
way to the house of Don J. Antonio Navarro, corner of 
North Flores and West Commerce Streets, and pos- 
sessed it. The morning of the 8th was cold and wet, 
and the men who had taken the Navarro house, aided 
by the New Orleans Greys, advanced and occu- 
pied the Zambrano Row (North Flores Street, occupied 
now by T. C. Frost building) in spite of a heavy fire of 
artillery and musketry. The second division also took 
the priest's house (Main Plaza). When the priest's 
house was taken it was vigorously cannonaded. Then 
the enemy sent a flag of truce and capitulated. By the 
terms of General De Cos, his officers and men who de- 
sired to leave were released on parole and permitted to 
take their arms and private property with them. De 
Cos' force evacuated the city on December 14th. De 
Cos broke his parole afterwards by fighting at San 
Jacinto. 

It was a glorious victory; 300 Texans against over 
1,000 Mexicans, well armed and having heavy artillery, 
snowed the courageous calibre of the men who were 
then fighting for freedom and independence. 

Arrival of Crockett. 

David Crockett arrived in San Antonio just after this 
and was an enthusiastic advocate of the independence 
of Texas. He frequently mounted a box on the Main 
Plaza and harrangued the crowd, urging freedom and 
independence. He was a forcible speaker and very 
popular. 

45 



STORY OF THE ALAMO 



The loss of San Antonio was naturally mortifying to 
Mexico, and the position of the colonists endangered 
Mexico's supremacy. General Santa Anna determined 
to reclaim San Antonio and to put down what he called 
the rebellion, so, taking the pick of his army, about 
6,000 men, he marched upon San Antonio, arriving on 
the heights on the 22d of February, 1836, the anniver- 
sary of Washington's birth. He made his headquarters 
where Wolfson's store is now located. As senior officer 
Colonel Bowie was in actual command, but owing to his 
serious illness, both he and Lieutenant Colonel W B 
Travis were jointly named. They had only 145 efficient 
men, among them being the famous David Crockett, 
Bonham, Evans and some well-known Texas fighters. 
Travis and his men at once retired to the Alamo and 
dispatched couriers to Goliad and Washington (Texas) , 
then the capital of the State, detailing his condition 
and asking for aid. In these reports he said : "I shall 
never retreat or surrender." He managed also to se- 
cure eighty bushels of corn and about thirty beeves. 
Santa Anna soon displayed his flag on San Fernando 
Cathedral, and it was fired on by the Texans. The 
usual Texas flag flew over the Alamo. It was not the 
"Lone Star," as many suppose, but the Mexican tri- 
color of 1824, with the date prominently displayed. The 
same flag was used by Houston at San Jacinto. There 
was a Lone Star flag there,but it was borne by patriotic 
supporters from Mobile, Ala. This may perhaps have 
suggested the design of that flag, which was then a 
most appropriate one. 

The reader must remember that in those days the 
land between the Alamo and San Fernando was open, 
and there was only a few shanties intervening. There 
was an exchange of cannonading, and the third day 
Santa Anna reconnoitred and the Texans made a sortie, 

46 



burning some wooden shanties, killing two Mexicans 
and wounding six others. An attempt was made to di- 
vert the ditch supplying the Texans with water, but it 
failed. Bombardment had begun in earnest by the 
Mexicans, but the Texans, though they frequently re- 
plied, were economical with ammunition. On the sixth 
day Travis sent Juan N. Seguin to Goliad. On the 
eighth day the gallant Texans were encouraged by the 
arrival of thirty-two citizens from Gonzales, who came 
to aid Travis and his band of heroes. On the same day 
a shot from the Alamo struck the house in which Santa 
Anna was quartered. 

It was about this time, according to the story of a 
man named Rose, that Travis drew a line and called for 
those willing to defend the Alamo till death to cross it. 
All crossed except Rose and Bowie. The latter was sick 
and helpless, but he begged his companions to carry his 
cot across the line, and it was done amid great cheer- 
ing. Rose was then permitted to escape. This state- 
ment was made in latter years, and has been accepted 
by some historians. Travis and the heroes had re- 
solved "never to surrender or retreat" from the first. 
It was then dangerous to leave the Alamo, for Lieuten- 
ant Dickenson, who attempted to escape by jumping 
from an upper window in the rear of the Alamo to a 
ditch below it, was shot by the besiegers and killed. 
The latter story is told by some historians, but it is de- 
nied. Mrs. Dickenson, in talking to Mr. H. A. McArdle, 
the celebrated artist, said : "There is a yarn about that 
my husband jumped from the wall with a child on his 
back. That is a lie. We didn't have but one child, and 
that I brought out of the Alamo." Mrs Susan Sterling 
of Nogales, Arizona, writing to the author, says that her 
grandmother told her that just before the fall of the 
Alamo her husband came and said : "All is lost; if you 
are saved take good care of the child, ,r and that she 
never saw him again. This is no doubt true, for an at- 
tempt to escape would have been futile and cowardly. 

On the eleventh day the bombardment was continued 

47 



with vigor, but the Texans, saving ammunition, rarely 
replied. That night Santa Anna and his generals had 
a council of war, and it was decided that an attack 
should be made at dawn next day, Sunday, March 6, 
and that the entire force in six columns should par- 
ticipate in the attack. At dawn the party set out, 
headed by Santa Anna, who encouraged the soldiers 
and led the attack. The black flag was flying, indi- 
cating no quarter. After a half hour's desperate 
fighting Castrillon's division made a breach in the 
upper walls — some say on the south side ; others on the 
west side — and the Mexicans scaled the walls. Then 
came desperate hand-to-hand fighting, such, perhaps, 
as was never seen in the world's history. The fre- 
quent shot, mingled with the clash of steel and shrieks 
of the wounded and dying, made the old church a 
pandemonium. Travis, some say, was killed on the 
walls, directing the guns ; other say that he fell by the 
side of Crockett, surrounded by a pile of dead Mexi- 
cans. Bowie, who was sick, killed several ere he died. 
The late J. P. Newcomb, the well-known Texan editor, 
says he was told on good authority that Colonel Cas- 
trillon found Bowie alive and reported the matter to 
Santa Anna. That infernality was very angry that 
Bowie had been spared, and ordered him to be taken 
and shot, which was done. It is further said that it 
was Bowie who made a proposition to surrender when 
Santa Anna made "unconditional surrender" the basis, 
which was rejected, and this added to his wrath. 
Bonham also yielded his life dearly. Evans was caught 
just as he was carrying a torch to the powder maga- 
zine. It is reported the Texans had agreed, as a last 
resort to escape Santa Anna's cruelty and to deci- 
mate the Mexican army, to blow up the Alamo, and 
that Evans was gallantly trying to do so when killed. 
It is also said that De Cos tried to save the lives of 
Crockett and Travis, but Santa Anna had them shot 
down in cold blood. 

After the battle the Mexicans erected a huge funeral 

48 



pyre. A layer of fence rails and brush was made, and 
on it was laid the bodies of the dead Texans, and so 
layer after layer was made, the whole was fired and 
the bodies of the heroes thus consumed. Some say this 
was done on the Alamo Plaza; others that it occurred 
in front of the present St. Joseph's Church. There is 
an idea that the burning really occurred in the convent 
grounds, and this is not unlikely. The pyre, it is said, 
burned for two whole days and made the air obnoxioua 
to the citizens. 

The loss of the Mexicans must have been tremen- 
dous. The Alcalde of the city, Don Pancho Ruiz, says 
that 2,000 fell in the assault. He burned some bodies 
in the trenches ; others were stripped and thrown into 
the river. 

Santa Anna's official report to the Secretary of the 
Navy, General Jose Maria Tome, is a sufficient testi- 
mony to Texan bravery. S 

"They met with a stubborn resistance. The combat 
lasted more than an hour and a half, and the reserves 
had to be brought into action. The scene offered by 
this engagement was extraordinary. The men fought 
individually, vieing with each other in heroism." Then 
he falsely adds : "More than 600 corpses of foreigners 
were burned in the ditches and entrenchments, and a 
great many who had escaped the bayonets of the in- 
fantry fell in the vicinity under the sabres of the cav- 
alry. * * * We lost about seventy men killed and 
300 wounded, among whom were twenty-five officers." 

It has been said that "Thermopoele had her messen- 
ger of defeat, the Alamo had none," and this is true as 
regards the Texan combatants, but it must not be sup- 
posed that there was none others in the Alamo. Mrs. 
Dickenson, wife of the ill-fated Lieutenant Dickenson 
and infant, known later as "the child of the Alamo," 
and a negro servant, permitted to leave unmolested by 
Santa Anna, were certainly in the Alamo at the time 
of its fall. According to the story of Enrique Es- 
parza, who claims to have been the son of a Mexican 

49 



who fought and died with the Texans, and who was in 
the Alamo, says that there were also in the Alamo 
Mrs. Alsbury (adopted sister of Bowie's wife), and 
one child and sister, Mrs. Concepcion Losoya, her 
daughter and two sons, Mrs. Vitona de Salina and 
three girls. 

The Heroes of the Alamo. 

The official roster gives the following as the garri- 
son who held the Alamo at the time of its memorable 
fall, 1836: 

Commanders: Col. James Bowie, Kentucky; Lieut. 
Col. W. B. Travis, South Carolina. 

Aide de Camp: Charles Despalier. 

Lieutenant Adjutant: J. G. Baugh. 

Master of Ordnance: Robert Evans (Ireland). 

Lieutenant Quartermaster: Elial Melton. 

Assistant Quartermasters: Anderson and Burnell. 

Sergeant Major: Williamson. 

Surgeons : D. Michison, Amos Pollard, — Thompson. 

Colonels: J. Washington, Tennessee; J. B. Bonham, 
South Carolina. 

Captains: Forsyth, New York; Harrison, Tennes- 
see; William ,Blazeley, Louisiana; W. C. M. Baker 
Mississippi; S. B. Evans, W. R. Carey, S. C. Blair, 
Texas; — Gilmore, Tennessee; Robert White. 

Lieutenants; Almaron Dickenson, John Jones, Lou- 
isiana (N. 0. Greys) ; George C. Kimbell. 

Ensign: Green B. Jemison, South Carolina. 

Privates : David Crockett, Texas ; E. Nelson, Nacog- 
doches; — Nelson, Texas; W. H. Smith, Georgia; 
Lewis Johnson, Pennsylvania; E. T. Mitchell, Georgia; 
F. Desangue, Pennsylvania; Thruston (or Thurston), 
Kentucky ; — Moore, Christopher Parker, Mississippi ; 
C. Huskell (or Haskell)' (Moses ?) Rose, Texas; John 
Blair, Texas; — Kiddison (or Kedeson), Wm. Wells, 
Tennessee; E. Cummings, Pennsylvania; Valentine 
(pr Vuluntine) , — Cockran, S. Hallaway, Isaac White, 

50 



— Day, Robert Muselman, New Orleans; Robert 
Crossman, New Orleans; I. G. Garrett, New Orleans; 
Robert B. Moore, New Orleans; Richard Starr, Eng- 
alnd; Richard Dimkin, England; W. Linn, Massachu- 
setts; — Hutchinson, W. Johnson, Pennsylvania; E. 
Nelson, Geo. Tumlinson, William Deardoff, Daniel 
Bourne, England; — Ingram, England; W. T. Lewis, 
Wales; Chas. Zanco, Denmark; Jas. L. Ewing, Robert 
Cunningham, S. Burns, Ireland ; George Neggin, South 
Carolina; — Robinson, Scotland; — Harris, Ken- 
tucky; John Flanders, Isaac Ryan, Opelousas; David 
Wilson, Texas; John M. Hayes, Tennessee; — Stuart, 
Navidad, Texas; W. K. Simpson, New Orleans; W. D. 
Southerland, Texas; D. W. Howell, New Orleans; — 
Butler, Chas. S. Smith, — McGregor, Scotland; — 
Rusk, — Hawkins, Ireland; Samuel Holloway, — 
Brown, T. Jackson, Ireland, Johnson Linley, Mecahjah 
Autrey, Lewis Duel. 

There was also the Gonzales contingent, who en- 
tered the Alamo on the eighth day of the seige, under 
command of Lieutenant Kimbell. These were James 
George, Dolphin Ward, Tom Jackson, G. W. Cottle, 
Andrew Kent, Thos. R. Miller, Isaac Baker, William 
King, Jesse McCoy, Claiborne Wright, William Fish- 
back, Isaac Millsapps, Galba Fuqua, John Davis, Al- 
bert Martin, William Fuhbach (or Fabaigh) , — John, 
B. A. M. Thomas, John G. King, Isaac Durst, M. L. 
Sewell, Robert White, A. Devault, John Harris, 
David Kent, and William E. Summers, who also per- 
ished. It is stated that an American, D. W. Cloud, 
perished here, but there is no record. 

There are old citizens who declared that several 
Mexicans were in the Alamo when it fell, and this is 
not improbable, as the patriots had many Mexican 
allies, open ancl secret, and some may have been em- 
ployed in domestic service. Madame Candalaria, a 
Mexican, who claimed to have been there as the ser- 
vant of Col. Bowie, declared that Elijo or Elias Lo- 
soyo, of San Antonio, Texas; Jose Maria Cabrera, 

Si 



of Tula, Mexico; Jose Maria Ximenez, of Mexico, and 
a Mexican named Jacinto, who came from the coast, 
perished in the Alama. 

Enrique Esparza says that his father, Francisco, 
mother, self, then 8 years old, and brother, were in 
the Alamo. His father, a combatant, was killed, 
but the mother and children were released. His 
father was a friend and follower of Smith, possibly 
Deaf Smith, who rendered Travis such good service. 
He also says a Mexican, Brigido Guerrero, was 
taken prisoner by the Mexicans and released on the 
plea that he was a non-combatant. This man after- 
wards secured a pension. 

Pablo Diaz, an aged Mexican, says that he had sev- 
eral friends in the Alamo, and among them was one 
named Cervantes, whose descendants now live on 
Losoya Street. 

There may have been other Americans there when 
the Alamo fell, but the records in those days of strife 
and action were badly kept. They show one strange 
feature, however, that no less than eleven Britishers 
were in that garrison, and there are reasons to believe 
that many others were also there when it fell. 

THE FUTURE OF THE ALAMO. 

The Alamo and Convent grounds are now the pro- 
perty of the State, and nominally in the hands of the 
Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The main idea 
is to make them a sacred and grand monument to 
the illustrious heroes who perished there. In this 
the "Daughters" are agreed, but unfortunately there 
is a difference in the opinion as to how this can be 
best done. One section would restore all to pres- 
tine condition with its picturesque convent front gal- 
lery, doors and towers, with a patio, using the build- 
ing as a historical museum, gallery of fame, making 
it useful and ornamental. The other desire the Con- 
vent razed, the whole turned into a garden displaying 

52 



only the Alamo, and probably a monument to the 
heroic dead. Some definite action will soon be taken 
in the matter, and in any case a creditable State 
monument will adorn the view. 

THE ALAMO BELL RESTORED. 

The original bell of the Alamo has been restored 
to its old home, after being absent for 62 years. It 
was found in the river by John Twohig, who kept 
it until 1852, when he gave it to his father-in-law, 
Major J. S. Calvert, of the Magnolia Hotel, Seguin, 
Texas, and hung in front of the hotel until 1900, 
when an attempt was made to steal it, and it was 
taken inside to preserve it. Major Calvert gave the 
bell to his daughter, Mrs. C. K. Johnson, who pre- 
sented it to her younger son, T. L. Johnson, who re- 
cently gave it to the Alamo. 

The Dickenson Aftermath. 

Mrs. Dickenson and other ladies and children were 
taken to the house of Ramon Musquiz, located on the 
southeast corner of West Commerce street and Main 
Plaza. In a letter from her granddaughter, Mrs. Susan 
Sterling, to the writer the former says that her grand- 
mother was shot in the calf of the right leg, suffered 
much and it was long before she could walk. The la- 
dies were taken before Santa Anna and ordered re- 
leased. It is said that Santa Anna wanted to adopt 
"the child of the Alamo," but the offer was respect- 
fully declined. Mrs. Angelina Dickenson was mar- 
ried twice afterwards, once to Percy Bellis and then to 
J. W. Hannig of Austin and San Antonio. The child 
of the Alamo was married twice, first to Dr. John 
Maynard Griffith, and secondly to Oscar Holmes. By 
the first marriage she had three children : Susan, mar- 
ried to Fred Sterling of Nogales, Arizona; Joe Grif- 

53 



fith of Austin and Dick Griffith of Alvin, Texas. As 
a result of the second marriage she had a daughter, 
Sallie Holmes, who married Manuel D. Barrera, a 
printer of San Antonio. 

Why They Were Absent. 

It has been often asked why such great patriots as 
the late Sam A. Maverick and Col. Juan A. Navarro 
were not found defending the Alamo. The answer is 
that at that time, in conjunction with W. Smith, they 
were attending the convention at Washington, Texas, 
as delegates from Bexar, and were among those who de- 
clared "the Independence of Texas." Otherwise they 
would doubtless have perished in the Alamo. 

The dawn of liberty was fast approaching. The 
Texans, horrified by the Goliad massacre and the in- 
humanity to the Alamo's dead, nerved the heart and 
hand for a decisive battle. The Texan army, under 
General Sam Houston, met Santa Anna's forces on 
April 21st, 1836, and after a terrible fight the Mexi- 
cans were routed. A little later Santa Anna was 
taken prisoner. Then a treaty was signed by which 
Texas became a free and independent republic. 

The Last Indian Fight. 

For the time peace existed. The only trouble was 
with the Indians, and the Comanches had indicated 
that they desired peace. Word was sent that if they 
brought in the prisoners they held the trouble would 
be settled. On the 19th of March, 1840, thirty-two 
Indians, some squaws and children, came to the city 
and met the commissioners appointed by President 
Lamar, in the old court house on Main Plaza, situated 
on the east side, about half way between West Com- 
merce and Market Street, but they only brought in one 
captive, Miss Lockhart, some say that a boy Herrera 
was also produced, though they were known to hold 

54 



others in captivity. The commissioners soon saw that 
the Indians had brought the prisoners for a ransom, 
and a heavy one, and were holding back the other 
prisoners for the same purpose. The Indians were 
told that they must bring in all white prisoners, and 
until they did so twelve Indians would be detained 
as hostages. One of these Indians attempted to pass 
the sentinal who stopped him, and the Indian drew 
a knife and stabbed him. The Indians were all armed, 
drew weapons, and then a fierce and bloody fight 
ensued and ended on the street. The women fought 
as hard as the men. In the end the Americans lost 
seven killed and eight were wounded. The Indians 
lost thirty-two fighting men, three women and two 
children, who were killed. Twenty-seven women and 
children and two old Indians were also taken prison- 
ers. The latter were held some time and 
afterwards permitted to leave. The remaining white 
prisoners were roasted by the Indians. Only two 
escaped, a boy named Webster and a girl named 
Putnam, who were spared because they had been 
adopted by the tribes. There was one advantage in 
this contest. It practically ended the Indian troubles. 



Vasquiz's Invasion. 

Notwithstanding the peace treaty with Santa Anna, 
Mexico still claimed Texas as one of its provinces, 
and March 5, 1842, General Vasquiz, with a few hun- 
dred men, appeared before San Antonio and demanded 
its surrender, promising to protect the citizens in 
their civil rights. Col. Jack Hays, then in command, 
deemed it advisable to withdraw, with his limited 
force, to the Guadalupe. Vasquiz took formal pos- 
session of the city, and kept faith with the citizens, 
protecting them and their property. He changed 
the city government and in two days retired from the 
city, returning to Mexico. 

55 



Woll Takes the City. 

All was quiet until Sunday, Sept. 10, 1842, when 
a Mexican came to the district court, then in session, 
and raised the alarm that a large force of Mexicans 
were coming to the city. The first impression was 
that robbers were coming and 75 men were armed 
and ready to give a warm reception, and the river 
was barricaded at the ford, near Yturri Street. The 
defenders slept under arms where Market Street is 
now, between the Plaza and Yturri Street. At dawn 
there was a severe cannonading and soon a body of 
men passed into the Main Plaza, by the northern side 
of the church. The Texans were ready and opened 
fire. It was very foggy at the time and the Texans 
could not see what was coming. To their dismay 
they soon found that they were firing upon General 
Woll and his army of 1500 Mexican soldiers. Soon 
Colonel Carasco came forward under a flag of truce 
and demanded the surrender of the city. Of course 
resistance was impossible, and Maverick, Van Ness, 
and Jones were detailed to explain and arrange for 
capitulation. General Woll was angry. He had not 
expected resistance and twelve men had been killed, 
twenty-five wounded and a number of horses were 
lost. The Texans had to surrender on the pledge, 
and about fifty-five armed prisoners were taken. The 
others managed to escape. 

General Woll appears to have treated the prisoners 
well, except those found under arms. The citizens, 
however, resented this invasion and assembled con- 
siderable force on the Salado. On the 17th of Septem- 
ber Woll marched out with his army to disperse this 
force. The fight commenced at ten o'clock and a 
severe battle raged for about an hour, and then the 
enemy retreated. The Mexican loss was great, while 
the Texans had none killed and only ten wounded. 
In retiring to the city, Woll came upon Captain Daw- 

56 



son and fifty-five Texans, who were on their way to 
join Caldwell. The Mexicans attacked the party and 
Dawson raised a flag of truce to capitulate, but was 
fired upon. Thirty-three Texans were killed, includ- 
ing Captain Dawson (who was at San Jacinto), and 
fifteen surrendered. The others escaped. At day- 
break on the following day Woll evacuated San An- 
tonio, taking with him his San Antonio prisoners. 
The prisoners were marched to the Castle of Perote, 
Mexico, and were compelled to undure many hard- 
ships and privations, many dying on the way. At 
Mier came the black bean episode. One hundred and 
fifty white beans and seventeen black beans were 
placed in a vessel and every prisoner had to draw 
a bean. Those who got black beans were taken out 
and shot. The remainder of the living prisoners, 120, 
were released by Santa Anna, Sept. 16,1844, it is 
said at the instigation of his beautiful young wife, 
but it is generally supposed that the American am- 
bassador was the potent influence that secured the 
release. The bodies of the unfortunate men who 
drew black beans now lie in a vault on Monument 
Bluff, opposite La Grange City. A misunderstanding 
prevented pursuit of Woll after the Dawson mas- 
sacre, and he was permitted to escape to the Rio 
Grande, otherwise the Mier prisoners would have 
been released. Since then Mexico has never dared 
to invade Texas. 

Texas as a State. 

The great State continued as an independent Re- 
public until 1845, when it became one of the United 
States. In the war between the United States and 
Mexico, it became an important place as a base of 
supply, and prospered. It became the headquarters 
of Federal troops in Texas until it seceded and joined 
the Confederacy when General Twiggs, then the com- 
mand, retired. 

When the civil war was over Texas renewed her 

57 



allegiance to the government and was reinstated to 
statehood. The Federal garrison of Texas was re- 
stored and San Antonio has not been in any way 
troubled by war until the "Spanish- American" trou- 
ble. Then the Belknap Rifles went to sustain "Old 
Glory," and many of the gallant sons of San Antonio 
joined the army and navy, to defend the country. 

Presidents, Grant, Harrison, McKinley, and Roose- 
velt have visited the city and have practically tested 
the sweets of Southern hospitality. They were de- 
lighted with with the city and the reception accorded 
to them. 

It was here that Colonel Wood and Lieut-Col. Roose- 
velt (now President) organized the famous Rough 
Riders, and for some time the regiment was quartered 
at the fair grounds, prior to their departure to Cuba. 

In 1905 the Rough Riders held their annual conven- 
tion in the city and President Roosevelt came to fra- 
ternize with his old comrades at the original rendez- 
vous in the Fair grounds. He was naturally appre- 
ciated. The "President" became host in the "old 
colonial" way, even more, they all became as man to 
man, and all were well pleased. 




5b 



The Famous Missions 



1 



The Alamo 
Mission Concepcion 
Mission San Jose 
Mission San Juan 
Mission De La Espado 
San Fernando Cathedral 



+ 



ORIGIN AND OBJECT 



THE FAMOUS MISSIONS 



The Missions of Texas were established by nine 
Franciscan fathers, who came here in 1716, under, 
under the Right Reverend Father Antonio Margil de 
Jesus, and they established six missions in the north- 
ern part of what was then the province of Texas. 
Three of these missions, Concepcion, San Juan, and 
Espada, were transferred, in 1730, to the banks of the 
San Antonio river. 

Y^ The Alamo. 

The leading mission is, of course, the Alamo, which 
is aptly called "the Cradle of Texas Liberty," and 
which is baptized with the blood of those who gloriously 
fell in its defense March 6,1836. It was originally known 
as the Mission of San Antonio de Valero, being named 
after San Anthony, of Padua and the Duke de Valero, 
a Spanish Viceroy. 

It is said to have been first established in the 
Cienagua of the Rio Grande, 1703, thence removed to 
San Ildephonso and thence to the Rio Grande. Then 
(1818) Fray Antonio de Benoventura y Olizarez, in 
pursuance to orders of the Viceroy, removed the 
Xumanez Indians and everything from the Mission 
San Francisco Solaro on the Rio Grande to San Fer- 
nando de Bexar (San Antonio), locating it at San 
Pedro Springs. He removed it to the Military Plaza, 
and thence to its present location. The foundation 
of the first building was laid in 1744. That of the sec- 
ond building was laid in 1757, when the former build- 
ing collapsed. The present foundation stone bears the 
latter date. 

61 



Alamo means cottonwood, and it is said that the 
name of the building was derived from the fine cot- 
tonwood trees that surrounded the building, but it is 
more probably that it was called from the first garri- 
son that came here from Fort Alamo de Parras in the 
Province of Coahuila, to which Texas was then attach- 
ed. It was first used as a church and for protection 
from Indians, but it afterwards became a fortress, 
and was the scene of many conflicts between the Tex- 
ans and Spaniards and Mexicans. 

The Alamo that we see today is not the Alamo that 
was originally founded. The foundation stone of that 
building was laid on May 8, 1744, and was completed 
in 1757. It was of the style of Mission Concepcion, 
had two large towers and moresque dome, with an 
elaborate facade, probably by Huica. Soon after it 
collapsed and in its stead the present structure arose. 
The architecture is very plain, if we except the beau- 
tiful carved doorway and pillars. In the niches were 
statues, but these have been destroyed. There were 
only upper windows at one time, to prevent the Indians 
from snooting the inmates. Indeed it is thought by 
many that all the lower windows are innovations. 
The main chapel is laid out in the form of a cross, 
and is 70x62 feet. The walls are 4 1-2 feet thick 
and 22 1-2 feet high. Originally the chapel had an 
arched ceiling, covered by a flat gravel roof. Adjoin- 
ing it on the north side was the spacious 
convent grounds, and around these was a stock- 
ade and wall, enclosing a large part of the Plaza. 
This convent part is that part of the Alamo recently 
purchased by the State for the Daughters of the Re- 
public. In this was the prison and barracks. Santa 
Anna's bombardment destroyed the arched roof of 
the chapel and considerably demolished the walls. 
Some years after a roof was put on the chapel, an 
upper flooring put in and it was used by the military 
department as a warehouse, and later by the late 
Honore Grenet for the same purpose, much to the 

62 



disgust of visitors, who regretted the desecration. 
The property belonged to the Roman Catholic diocese 
of San Antonio. The Hugo Schmeltzer Company 
bought the site of the convent, where the store is, 
and the State purchased the Alamo. It was then 
cleared of the debris and fittings of a warehouse, and 
placed as it is seen today. Many interesting relics were 
exhibited there, and the city placed the building 
in charge of a custodian. In 1905 the State Legisla- 
ture appropriated $65,000 for the purchase of that 
part of the Alamo known as the convent grounds, and 
occupied by Hugo-Schmeltzer Company, and it became 
the property of the State. Then the Alamo and con- 
vent grounds were placed in custody of the Daughters 
of the Republic of Texas, subject to future legislation, 
and that body has nominal charge of both properties. 

Mission Conception / 

is the ordinary name for the Mission of Nuestra 
Senora de la Concepcion Purissima de Acuna, so called 
in honor of the Virgin and Juan de Acuna, a Spanish 
Viceroy, but is commonly known as the first mission. 
It is situated on the left hand side of the San Antonio 
river, about two miles from the city, and was originally 
founded in 1716, but moved to its present site in 1730, 
the foundation being laid in 1731. The style is mo- 
resque. It is a square front, with dome covered bel- 
fries on either side, one being used for vestments, 
the other as a baptistry. The front door is surmounted 
by a triangle of great merit, and in the center of the 
arch is a coat of arms. The walls are covered with 
cement, ornamented with geometric signs, and the 
floor covered with native tiling. The entrance is 
through a large vestibule, but the auditorium is not 
large. There is a curious stone altar, and service is 
occasionally held here, but time and vandalism are 
rapidly destroying the building. This mission was a 
favorite resort of patriotic Texans. It was here that 

63 



Bowie defeated the Mexicans, Oct. 28, 1835, and it has 
been the scene of several Indian fights. 

Mission San Jose 

or second mission, is the Mission San Jose de Aguayo, 
so called in honor of St. Joseph and Governor de 
Aguayo, and is the most beautiful of all the missions, 
for the sculpture is the work of the celebrated Spanish 
sculptor, Huica, or Huisar. Some of his descend- 
ants reside in the city, who was sent from Spain for 
that purpose. It was founded in 1720, and took eight 
years in building. It is located on the right hand side 
of the San Antonio river, and is about four miles 
from the city. The principal door was a masterpiece 
of art, and was of live oak, covered with cedar. Around 
it were six statues, St. Ann (gone), St. Joaquin 
(headless), the virgin and child, St. Joseph, St. Nanoa 
and San Domingo. The window here was pronounced 
by Oscar Wilde, a recognized art critic, when he visited 
San Antonio, to be unequaled by anything that was 
in Europe. The spiral stair case and cedar ladder, 
by which visitors ascend to the roof, is a reminder of 
its early days. From the roof a nice view of the sur- 
roundings is seen. This mission is four times larger 
than the others and more in a state of ruin, half the 
walls having fallen, but it will especially delight the 
antiquarian and the artistic. 

Mission San Juan. 

The Third Mission, or Mission San Juan de Capes- 
trana, is six miles from the city, and located on the 
right or west bank of the San Antonio river. It was 
erected in 1716, and is now practically in ruins, but 
the belfry and walls remain as a monument of the 
skill and zeal of those who erected it, and the scene 
is most picturesque. 

64 




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Mission Espada. 

Fourth Mission or Mission San Francisco de la 
Espada. There was an old mission erected near this 
in 1689, but it has long since passed away. The new 
mission is on or near the site of the old mission. 

The present mission was originally established in 
1716, on the banks of the Medina, but owing to re- 
peated attacks of Indians it was removed to its pres- 
ent site in 1730. Only portions of its walls and sword- 
shaped tower remain, but these afford much interesting 
study. 

In connection with the missions, it should be noted 
that the De Zavala Chapter of the Daughters of the 
Republic are raising a fund to restore and protect 
them. 

The best way to see the missions is to take a hack, 
which can be hired at a reasonable price, or an auto- 
mobile that makes periodical trips to them. The Hot 
Wells electric car takes the visitor to a point not far 
distant from the first and second mission. The third 
mission can be seen by taking the San Antonio and 
Aransas Pass train for Berg's Mill, as it is within, 
easy walking distance from that depot. 

San Fernando Cathedral. 

Though not a mission, San Fernando Cathedral de- 
serves to be classed with those sacred edifices. It was 
originally built by subscription in 1732, but only the 
sacresty, the portion that now faces the city hall, 
remains of the old building. The old church was serious- 
ly damaged by fire and flood. The foundation stoie of 
the new building was laid on the 27th of Sept., 1868, 
and it was built by Ed Tynan from Giraud's plans. 
It was originally the parish church, but when San 
Antonio was created a Roman Catholic bishopric and 
the Right Reverend A. D. Pelicer was installed bishop* 

65 



it attained the rank of a cathedral. Orig- 
inally there was only one high tower, and the other 
was almost level with the roof, the church was other- 
wise in an unfinished state, the plans of the architect 
having never been completed. The old church was a 
silent witness of the Texan struggle for independence. 
On the old tower, in February — March, 1836, was dis- 
played the black flag of Santa Anna, in the memorable 
siege of the Alamo. The church has a very fine altar 
proper and some minor altars, the gift of grateful par- 
ishioners. The new church (cathedral) has recently 
been altered in accordance with its original designs. 
It has now two ornate towers, has been otherwise 
ornamented and a statue of San Fernando, the patron 
Saint of San Antonio, when it was San Fernando de 
Bexar, has been placed in the long vacant niche above 
the main doorway. In the upper story and the rear 
of the church were rooms for the priests, and many 
resided there until the bishop's house on Dwyer ave- 
nue was built. Among these was the late Bishop 
Neraz. 

There was originally a cemetery around the church, 
hut it was abandoned, and a Roman Catholic cemetery 
opened where Santa Rosa Hospital now is, and re- 
mained there until removed to its present site on the 
Alazan. In that cemetery the leading Spanish citi- 
zens are buried. 

The bishop's residence and clergy house is on Dwyer 
Avenue, two blocks south of the Bexar County Court 
house. 



66 



Historic Plazas 



Interesting things that can 
be seen there. : : : 






PRETTY PARKS 



The Military Plaza. 

The principal plaza is the Military Plaza, which was 
the Plaza des Armes, and which was laid out in 17*1 
by the royal commissioners, Don Jose Antonio de Vilie 
and Senor Sanchez, and in the center of it now is the 
magnificent City Hall, considered one of the finest 
in the South, erected at the cost of $225,000, where 
are located the civic offices, police headquarters and 
jail. Around this were the quarters of the army, the 
palacio of the governor and residences of civil officers. 
On the west side, near the northwest corner, is a low 
building with a coat of arms above the door. There 
is also an old hitching ring nearby. There are rem- 
nants of the palacio of Governor Antonio Cordero, 
Here Rough and Ready Ignacia Cassiano lived. On 
the northwest corner is an old building that was 
erected about 1735, and used as the quartermaster s 
department of the government. On the opposite cor- 
ner was the Navarro house, which figured prominently 
in Milam's attack on San Antonio in 1836, and on the 
other corner is the remains of the old De Soto and 
Trevino homes, erected about the same time. The east 
side shows the original part of the first San Fernando 
Church, and at the southeast corner is the Southern 
Hotel. In the northwest corner of the plaza was the old 
police headquarters and court house, or bat cave, as it 
was called, which was pulled down when the new City 
Hall was erected. In the old time the plaza was simply 
a primitive market place, by no means attractive, and 
the change to its present condition is appreciated. The 

69 



chili stands are located here, and have a quaint appear- 
ance at night, but the famous pert and vivacious chili 
queens are scarce. 

In the early days in this plaza was the corral on the 
south side, fenced in; the exchange was on the west 
side, and on the northwest corner the guardhouse was 
situated (Amagura Street). Where St. Joseph's Or- 
phanage now is was the celebrated priest's house taken 
by Milam's brigade in the capture of San Antonio. 
Bishop Oden of Galveston and Archbishop of New Or- 
leans lived here. In this plaza there resided Masmela, 
the Flores, Bergara, De la Gardo, Buenos, Perez, Rod- 
riguez, Urrutia, Seguin, Navarro, Minon and others of 
the old Spanish Families. The soldiers' barracks were 
on the east side of the plaza, and their rear was to the 
San Fernando Cathedral. The centre of the~military 
and social life was in this plaza and that adjoining — 
Main Plaza — and there was general activity, progress 
and prosperity. 

Main Plaza. 

i 
The second plaza is what is known as the Main Plaza. 
It was originally called the Plaza de los Islas, because 
in was the main place where the principal members of 
the sixteen Canary Island immigrants were located. 
These immigrants, who figured so prominently in 
Milam's attack on San Antonio, were really of Norman- 
French descent, as the Canary Islands were discovered 
by Jean Betehncourt, a Norman navigator, and peopled 
by many Normans. The French government refusing 
to aid him, he sought aid, and received it, from Spain, 
who assumed sovereignty. The names of the Normans 
assumed a Spanish form in time. Thus, in the original 
Spanish settlers came "Betehncourt" became Betan- 
court, "De la Rocha," Arocha, "Cuvier" Cubelo, "De la 
Garde" Delgado, "De L' Isle" Leal, "De la Anieze" 
Alinas, "D'Armes" Dearmas and so on. On this plaza 
were the Montez de Ochoa, Florez, De la Rosa, Martinez, 

70 



Bustillos, De Soto, Yturri, De Granados, Arrocha and 
other important families. 

This plaza is, if anything, rather more historic than 
the other. Passing from Commerce Street southward, 
half way between that point and Market Street, we find 
the site of the old court house, where the famous Indian 
fight occurred. At the southeast corner of Market 
Street was the old family residence of the Montez de 
Ochoa, which passed into the Flores family by marriage. 
This fine old building, erected in 1730, was razed to 
make room for the Washer Bros, building. A little 
further on is the French building, which for many 
years was used by the city for the Mayor's office and 
by the United States for the Federal court of the 
Western district of Texas, where many famous trials 
have occurred. On the southeast corner is the hand- 
some Moresque brown stone court house for Bexar 
County, erected at a cost of $610,000, the largest and 
best in Texas, where is found the district, and county 
courts and county officers. This is built on the site of 
the Rodriguez de Granados homestead. We pass on 
westward by the old San Antonio Herald office to the 
Southern Hotel, formerly the Cassiano homestead, the 
Bustillos place adjoining, and then come to the De Soto 
homestead, occupied now by the Frost National Bank. 
At this corner Evans had his store (1845), and his 
daughter, Augusta Evans (now Mrs. L. M. Wilson of 
Georgia) lived with him, and there, under the shadow 
of the San Fernando Church, wrote her famous novel, 
"Inez, or a Tale of the Alamo/' Her sister, Mrs 
Tarleton, resides here. Crossing to Wolfson's cor- 
ner, which was Santa Anna's headquarters in 
1836, we come to the site of the De la Rosa and 
Yturri place, and when we get near the cor- 
ner of Soledad Street, the old Arocha homestead, we 
come to the site of the old Vaudeville theatre, famous 
in the bloody annals of the State for the Ben Thomp- 
son accidents. The Elite Hotel was the site of the drug 
store of James Devine, where he killed J. S. McDaniel. 

71 



It was also there that Mayor Sweet, father of Alex S. 
Sweet of the Texas Siftings, arrested a noted desper- 
ado, armed only with a walking cane. 

Where the Bank of Commerce now stands was the 
home of Governor Barrera, and the Dauenhauer build- 
ing, opposite, where Frank Bros/ store is, was Gov- 
ernor Musquiz's home. 

Some part of the Indian fight occurred on this plaza, 
and there were many stirring scenes enacted here dur- 
ing the struggle for Texas independence and during 
the days of the vigilance committee, when the citizens 
made a fight against the tough element for law and 
order and nearly annihilated desperadoes. 

A few years ago this plaza, which was then a barren 
waste, was placed by the city administration in its 
present ornamental condition, much to the gratification 
of the people. 

The street cars from the Southern Pacific depot to the 
International and Great Northern Depot and from 
South Heights to Beanville pass through these two in- 
teresting plazas. 

Alamo Plaza. 

The third plaza of note is the Alamo Plaza. Com- 
mencing at the corner of Houston Street, we strike 
first the Federal building, erected at a cost of $275,000, 
the finest in the State. Here is the postoffice, the Fed- 
eral court and the various Federal offices. This build- 
ing is to be enlarged, the present being too limited to 
accommodate the necessary officials and their work. 
Turning southward we come to the site of the Alamo 
Convent grounds and old Alamo grounds, both of which 
were recently purchased by the State. Continuing south- 
ward, we come to the old Menger Hotel, one of the best 
modern hotels in the State. In the rear of this Hotel in 
the '50s, was the first local brewery, originated by Wil- 
liam Menger and run by Charles Degen. Crossing Blum 
Street, we get to the Gallagher building, used for a long 

72 



time as the postoffice, but now the local ticket office of 
the International and Great Northern Railroad. Cross- 
ing westward, we come to the ticket office of the Katy 
Then, going northward, we find the Knights of Pythias 
Castle, at the corner of Crockett Street arid catch 
a good view of the new Masonic Temple. By the way, 
on this street, not far down, are the offices of the Daily 
Light and the Daily Express. On the opposite corner is 
found the San Antonio Club, the leading social organi- 
zation of the city, and the Grand Opera House, opened 
December 20, 1856, the handsomest and best equipped 
theatre in the State, and the ticket office of the Southern 
Pacific Railroad. Adjoining it was the Trevino home- 
stead, which has been torn down by Dr. F. Herff and a 
new modern store erected in its place. 

This plaza has been the scene of many memorable 
instances, the last being the address of President Mc- 
Kinley a little time before his death, and of President 
Roosevelt in April, 1905. It is the main scene of the 
Battle of Flowers, which occurs annually on San Ja- 
cinto day, April 21st. A few years ago it was a barren 
waste, till placed in its present pretty condition. 

The electric cars from Tobin Hill to the San Antonio 
and Aransas Pass depot, the Southern Pacific depot 
and International and Great Northern cars and those 
from South Heights to Beanville and Nolan Street 
cars to Government Hill pass through this plaza. All 
other cars run within a block of it. 



PRETTY PARKS 



San Pedro Springs. 

San Antonio is often called the City of Parks on ac- 
count of the many ornamental parks and plazas with 
which it is adorned. 

The principal of these is the San Pedro Springs, but 
it is not the largest at present, for the reason that the 

73 



city has lost much of it by litigation. It was given to 
the city by a royal Spanish grant in 1729. At that time 
it consisted mainly of a large grove of remarkably fine 
pecan trees, at the headwaters of the San Pedro creek. 
These waters and the delightful shade made it in for- 
mer days a favorite resort of the Indians. Here the 
Mexican army has frequently camped. Santa Anna was 
here on his way to besiege the Alamo, and it was here 
that the Confederate local forces assembled before they 
marched to the gory field. Today it is often used for 
military spectacles of a different character, the exer- 
cises of the volunteers and for reunions of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, Confederate and Spanish War 
Veterans. 

For a long time the park existed in its wild native 
state, until the late Mr. J. J. Duerler cleared out the 
springs, made some pretty lakes, cleared the grounds 
and otherwise improved the place. Mayor Hicks took 
pleasure in the old park, and had it laid out and im- 
proved at a cost of several thousand dollars. While the 
park has lost much of its natural beauty and sylvan 
character, it has gained much in artificial beauty, ac- 
cording to modern ideas, and is pronounced by many to 
be one of the most beautiful parks in the country. A 
zoological garden of merit and interest is near the park. 
It is well worth a visit, and is convenient of access, as 
the San Pedro Springs car runs to and from the main 
entrance, and the North Flores Street car passes by the 
rear entrance. 

Brackenridge Park. 

This is the largest park, containing 259 96-100 acres. 
It was the gift of Colonel G. W. Brackenridge of San 
Antonio to his fellow citizens. It is a natural park, 
with fine oak, hackberry, pecan, cypress and other 
trees, and the beautiful San Antonio River serpentines 
its way through it. The scenery in many cases is beau- 
tiful and is of especial interest to the artistic and the 

74 



devotees of the camera, and is quite a popular resort. 

The city is rapidly improving the grounds by the 
clearance of the underbrush, etc., and is establishing a 
deer park, buffalo pen, avaries and other interesting 
additions. The park is reached by the River Avenue 
electric car, which connects with all other electric cars 
at the corner of Houston Street and Avenue C. 

Mahncke Park. 

Another fine park has been recently added, and is 
called the Mahncke Park, in honor of the late Park 
Commissioner, so named. It contains 93 76-100 acres, 
and is connected by a driveway with Brackenridge 
Park, and is in close touch with the military post and 
the government drill grounds. It was donated to the 
city by Colonel George W. Brackenridge, and forms a 
delightful rustic resort. 

Travis Park. 

Travis Park is really a large plaza, and in it is the 
grand monument to the memory of the Confederate 
dead erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy. On 
the northeast corner is St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 
the foundation stone of which was laid in December, 
1859, but it was not until Easter Day, 1875, the church 
was opened. The rectory adjoins the church. In the 
church is a fine old bell, made from a gun found in the 
old Maverick homestead, then corner of Houston and 
Avenue D, and is supposed to have belonged to the 
Magee expedition, 1813. Some very fine memorial win- 
dows are also seen there. On the southeast corner is the 
new and handsome Temple Beth El, erected in 1902, 
and on the southwest corner is the large and convenient 
Travis Park Methodist Church. The park is one block 
north of Houston Street, and is reached by the way of 
Jeffersan Street or Navarro Streets. 

75 



Milam Park. 

Milam Park is another large plaza, and is the site of 
the first Protestant cemetery in the city. In its repose 
the remains of gallant Ben Milam, which are covered by 
a handsome and substantial monument, erected by the 
Daughters of the Texas Republic. Ben Milam was 
killed near the Veramendi House on December 7,1835, 
and his remains were buried in the courtyard of the 
historic building. On December 5, 1849, the remains 
of the honored dead were exhumed by the Masonic fra- 
ternity, of which Milam was a member, a detail of the 
United States Army acting as a guard of honor, and 
they were laid in the centre of what was then the old 
City Cemetery, and about eight feet from the base of 
the monument. When the use of the cemetery was dis- 
continued Milam's remains were undisturbed and the 
place renamed Milam Park. Over Milam's grave the 
Daughters of the Texas Republic have erected the me- 
morial that adorns it. Many Americans who perished in 
the colonist wars of 1835-36 were buried near Milam's 
grave. On the north side of the monument is the Santa 
Rosa Hospital and Infirmary and Orphanage, which is 
erected on the site of the old San Fernando Cemetery, 
while on the south side is the new City Market House 
and Convention Hall. Near by is the wood and hay mar- 
ket, and here can be seen in the evening the famous chili 
queens, who dispense the famous piquant and caloric 
Mexican dishes. Milam Park is at the beginning of 
the trans-San Pedro district and near the quarters of 
the poorer Mexican residents. The electric cars run- 
ning from the Southern Pacific depot to the Interna- 
tional and Great Northern depot run close to this park. 

Maverick Park. 

Another park, or rather plaza, of some note is the 
Maverick Park. It is one of the many pretty breathing 

76 



places. The electric cars from San Pedro Springs and 
River Avenue pass through it. 

There are many other little parks or plazas that 
ornament the city, but these, though very pretty, are 
not worthy of more than a passing mention. All the 
parks and plazas bear testimony to the skill and care 
of former Park Commissioner Ludwig Mahncke, now 
deceased. j 







+ 



77 




TOWER AT FORT SAM HOUSTON 



THE BRIGADE POST 



Historical sketch of Military Headquarters of 

Department of Texas, varied sections, 

Hospital, Chapel donated by 

citizen, Arsenal, Etc. 



FORT SAM HOUSTON 



MILITARY MATTERS 



The Army Centre. 

San Antonio has ever been a military centre, and, 
in view of its healthfulness and its strategic value as a 
defence to our Rio Grande border, it is not surprising 
that the United States government, after the Mexican 
War, realized its advantages and held it as a military 
post. It remained so until the Civil War, when the 
Confederates controlled it. After the war ended Fed- 
eral troops were again quartered in the city, but there 
was no permanent quarters and no organization as 
there is today. The headquarters of the commanding 
officer were first at the Du Mazier building, on South. 
Alamo, and then at the Vance house, corner of St. 
Mary's Street, the French buildings, Maverick Hotel, 
and to it permanent quarters. Other military officers 
were quartered at the Vance building, on Soledad 
Street, corner of Losoya and Crockett Streets, where 
the Daily Light office now is, to the Arsenal, the Alamo 
and to the rear of the department officers' headquarters 
Fort Sam Houston. Then the troops were a part of 
the Department of Louisiana and Texas, but in 1872 
the independent Department of Texas was created^ and 
since then Louisiana, Kansas and Oklahoma had been 
added to it. In 1878 Fort Sam Houston was built and 
occupied as an army post, and the department found 
permanent quarters there. Since then the post has 
been materially extended until it became the second 
largest post in the country. The former policy of the 
War Office was to garrison various forts on the Rio 
Grande to secure a quicker action than could be had 
from Fort Sam Houston, but now, with the extension 

81 



of the telegraph system and railways, troops can be 
sent to any particular spot from Fort Sam Houston 
sooner than from the garrisoned forts. The present 
policy of the government is to abandon the border gar- 
risoned forts and concentrate all troops at Fort Sam 
Houston, and it is a wise one. 

Now Fort Sam Houston is made into a brigade post 
and the provisions made for its extension, so that it 
covers 18,082 acres, and additional officers' quarters, 
barracks and buildings are being added. There is also 
one of the best hospitals in the country and a new 
church, the gift of San Antonio, which, when not so 
used, can be converted into a lecture hall and reading 
room. In comfort and sanitation for officers and men 
Fort Sam Houston cannot be excelled. 

The brigade post will quarter one regiment each of 
cavalry and infantry, with regimental headquarters 
and bands, two batteries of artillery and their con- 
tingencies. It is calculated that the officers, privates, 
clerks, etc., will exceed 3,000 men. The advantage of 
this to San Antonio is great. The old pay list was 
calculated at $17,000 per month ; the new pay list will 
be over $50,000 per month. Most of this is spent 
here. This does not include supplies, much of which 
is purchased from local dealers. The government has 
already spent over $1,000,000 on this post and is now 
spending $1,250,000 on extensions and improvements. 
A large target range, lying at Leon Springs, about fif. 
teen miles from the city, is attached to the post and is 
much used for practice and recuperation. 

When completed the Army Post, as it is now called, 
will be the equal of any in importance and extent and 
the superior in climatic comfort and social pleasure 
for the people of San Antonio, and the garrison have 
always affiliated in a most cordial way. 

The grounds at the post are very pretty, the view 
and breeze delightful and the parades draw crowds of 
visitors and citizens. 

The Department of Texas now controls Louisiana, 

82 



Kansas and Oklahoma. The Army Post and Nolan 
Street electric street cars run to the Upper and Lower 
posts. 

The Arsenal. 

The United States Arsenal was for many years lo- 
cated on the corner of Soledad and Houston Streets, a 
little north of the Veramendi place, but in 1859 the 
government purchased sixteen acres of ground on 
South Flores Street, near what is now Arsenal Street, 
from Governor Bell and Dr. G. P. Devine and subse- 
quently (1871) four more acres from the heirs of 
Tournat Beauregard. The offices were not built until 
1860, and when the Civil War opened the magazine 
was not completed. It was finished by the Confeder- 
ates. From 1871 to 1874 the arsenal was completed 
as it now stands. It is enclosed in a handsome sym- 
bolical iron and rock fence. Mere is the supply of ord- 
nance, repair shops for small arms and factory for 
making and repairing saddles, bridles, etc. It is pro- 
posed to extend the arsenal, and this will be necessary 
to meet the requirements of the new brigade post. The 
North Flores Street electric car passes the building. 

Distinguished Soldiers. 

Many distinguished officers have done duty in San 
Antonio. Among these are Generals Zack Taylor, U. S. 
Grant, both afterwards President; W. R. Shafter, 
David E. Twiggs, Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney John- 
ston, Harney, Worth, Wesley Merritt, J. J. Reynolds, 
C. C. Augur, H. C. Corbin (afterwards adjutant gen- 
eral), J. C. Clous, Phil Sheridan, E. 0. C. Ord, Mc- 
Kenzie, Schofield, Lawton, D. S. Stanley, Frank Whea- 
ton, A. McArthur, Bliss, Graham, Best, McKibbin, 
Whiteside, Wheelan, Luther Hare, J. G. Lee and Myers. 

Noted Confederates. 

Before the opening of the Civil War both Robert E. 
Lee and Albert Sidney Johnston were attached to the 

83 



military headquarters then located at the northeast 
corner of Houston and St. Mary's Streets. Johnston 
resided at 225 St. Mary's Street, near the headquarters, 
but Lee lived at the Howard house, on South Alamo 
Street. It was in this house that he wrote the resigna- 
tion of his commission in the United States army, and 
he left it to head the Confederate army in the fearful 
war that followed the rupture between the Northern 
and Southern States. 




84 



PLEASANT 


DRIVES 


To Laurel Heights, Head 
of the River, Government 
Hill, the Hot Wells and 
other Suburban resorts.... 

DELIGHTFUL VIEWS 



INTERESTING DRIVES 



To Laurel Heights. 

The reader will find a pleasant drive and see consid- 
erable of the city if he will start from Alamo Plaza, go- 
ing south on South Alamo Street, passing Scholz's Gar- 
den, and then turning west on Commerce Street (also 
known as Main Street) . Here will be found the leading 
stores, banks, telegraph offices and express companies. 
Arriving at the Main Plaza, the Bexar County Court 
House, San Fernando Cathedral and the beautiful or- 
namental garden are seen on the left hand. Turning 
down Main Avenue, northward, crossing Houston Street, 
catching here a glimpse of the First Presbyterian 
Church on the left. Onward the visitor will go, and 
when near the junction of San Pedro Avenue he will 
pass a large square rock building, which is the San 
Antonio High School. A little further, on the other 
side of the way, is one of San Antonio's fire stations 
in a quaint Elizabethian building, and as the visitor 
turns on to San Pedro Avenue he will catch a good 
view of the handsome new domed building of the Chris- 
tian Church, which lies near the intersection of Main 
Avenue. As the visitor passes along San Pedro Avenue 
he will find that he is riding over one of San Antonio's 
fine asphalt streets, amid some very pretty residences. 
Soon he will pass the baseball grounds on the left hand, 
the Electric Park and summer theatre on the right 
hand, and come to the handsome fence of the San Pedro 
Springs Park. Here he can rest and view the natural 
and artistic beauties that are here presented. When 
ready to go on his way he will see that opposite the park 

87 



is the car sheds of the traction company. Turning into 
Locust Street, he will follow the street car track east- 
ward and pass the palatial stone residence of Otto 
Koehler, president of the San Antonio Brewing Asso- 
ciation (City Brewery). The visitors will notice that 
he is gradually rising and that the air is cool and pleas- 
ant. He will now turn north again into Main Avenue 
and pass one of San Antonio's fine public schools on 
the left hand side. Winding with the road on the right 
he catches a fine bird's eye view of Fort Sam Houston 
and district, the City Brewery and an interesting pano- 
rama. Then he comes to Craig Place. If then he turns 
East he can proceed via Broad Avenue to the poor house 
or wind around to Brackenridge Park and Government 
Hill. Here he is on Laurel Heights. It is still better 
to follow the street car track, turn westward on Craig 
Place, then north on Howard Street and go right to the 
famous golf links, and even farther, to Beacon Hill. 
In this part of the drive he will see many of the hand- 
some residences of the leading citizens, catch many fine 
views of the city and inhale the delightful air. 

In returning to the Alamo Plaza the visitor will find 
it pleasant and convenient when he turns from Craig 
Place into Main Avenue to continue on its until he 
reaches the fire engine house at the junction of Main 
and San Pedro Avenues. Then turn east on Romana 
Street to Augusta Street, passing by the Ursuline 
Convent, which has been extended in a very handsome 
and appropriate way, and Douglas colored schools. 
Thence south on St. Mary's Street and east on Pecan 
Street into Travis Park, where he will view the Con- 
federate monument, St. Mark's Episcopalian Church, 
Travis Park M. E. Church and Temple Beth El. Thence 
he can go south into Houston Street, and going east 
will soon be in Alamo Plaza. 

Government Hill. 

A drive to Government Hill is an interesting one. 
For that purpose the visitor leaves Alamo Plaza and 

88 



proceeds northward down Avenue D, passing another 
of San Antonio's public school buildings on the left 
and the handsome H. D. Kampmann residence on the 
right, until he comes to the street car track on Tenth 
Street. Then he follows east with it, turning north- 
ward into Austin Street, where he passes the old South- 
ern Pacific depot on the right ; also the Railroad Y. M. 
C. A., roundhouse and machine shops. He keeps on 
until he gets to Grayson Street, and then turns into it, 
going east. He soon strikes Muth's gardens on the 
right and the old officers' quarters of Fort Sam Hous- 
ton on the left. He can drive in it and around by the 
old parade ground. As he does so he will notice nearly 
opposite, St. Paul's Episcopalian Church and the pala- 
tial residences of the Hon. E. H. Terrell, ex-United 
States Ambassador to Belgium, and Colonel Bullis. He 
also catches a view of the West Texas Military Acad- 
emy. He will continue his drive until he comes to the 
department offices and the quartermaster's department. 
Here he should alight and ascend the high tower, get- 
ting a fine bird's eye view of San Antonio and the sur- 
rounding country. He can then visit the barracks at 
Fort Sam Houston, known commonly as "the Post," 
and see the magnificent officers' quarters and barracks 
of the new post and the new chapel, hospital and addi- 
tions to the brigade grounds. Here he will find much 
to please and interest, and courteous officers will show 
him around the place and give all necessary informa- 
tion.. The return home can be varied in a somewhat in- 
teresting way by going south on New Braunfels Avenue 
and following the street car track to the city, though 
there is little worthy of note to be seen until the visitor 
gets on Nacogdoches Street, near its Junction with 
Houston Street, where the handsome new Turner Hall 
is located. The visitor can, if he chooses, use the new 
and pleasant driveway to the post via Avenue B, True- 
heart and Grayson Streets. It is a fine, quick drive, 
but there is not so much of interest to be seen. 

89 



River's Source. 

Another drive of great interest will be found by the 
visitor leaving Alamo Plaza and passing one block west 
to Avenue C. He will find himself then upon another of 
San Antonio's line asphalted streets. Going north, he 
will soon come to Maverick Park, and at its far cornet 
is Grand Avenue. Here will be seen the Lone Star 
Brewery, just a little way down the avenue, and if the 
visitor so desires he can cross the bridge over the river 
and visit it. He will be courteously received and 
shown over the brewery. Having done this, he should 
drive back to Maverick Park and turn northward into 
River Avenue, following the street car track. A little 
distance on this avenue to the left is the famous City 
Brewery, which the visitor should see, and where he 
will meet a cordial reception, but it is advisable to defer 
this call until the return journey, for San Antonians 
are very hospitable and San Antonio beer is very en- 
ticing and refreshing. The Schober Brewery is located 
on Josephine Street, south side of Brackenridge Park. 
On the right side going outward will be seen the new 
and imposing Country Club, which stands on a com- 
manding elevation. It is a handsome and convenient 
building recently erected at a cost of $30,000. 
A good view of the park is seen in passing it. 
On the other side is Union Park, a private pleas- 
ure resort much used by the local shootists for 
practice and matches, and has recently been leased to 
the Trades Council to be used as a resort for 
union members. Further on he comes to the 
Brackenridge Place, and there finds the magnifi- 
cent Incarnate Word College and Roman Catholic build- 
ings. Then he arrives at the famous springs — the 
source of the San Antonio River — and to that most pic- 
turesque spot that is known as the Head of the River, 
which has ever been a favorite place for picnic parties. 
Here, too, is the power house of the San Antonio Water- 
works Company and the residential section known as 

90 



Alamo Heights. Some very fine kodak views can be se- 
cured here that will be a pleasant souvenir of a visit 
The return home can best be made in the same way as 
the visitor came or west via Josephine Street and Broad 
Avenue to Laurel Heights, or turning east Xo Govern- 
ment Hill. 

Fair Grounds. 

A pleasant drive over a fine road or the Hot Wells 
electric car takes the visitor to some few interesting 
attractions. The first is the Fair Grounds, where each 
year, in the fall, the International Fair is held, and 
where Colonel Wood and Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt 
organized the famous Rough Riders. President Roose- 
velt was also here in April, 1905, at the Rough Riders' 
annual convention. But there is not much worth seeing 
except at fair time. 

Riverside Park, one of the prettiest natural sylvan 
retreats, adjoins it, and the lovers of nature find it very 
attractive. It is now being converted into residences. 

The next point of interest is the famous Hot Wells. 
The hotel is modern and excellent, the cusine of the 
best, and the baths are well arranged for all kinds of 
bathing. The hot sulphur water comes from three ar- 
tesian wells in the ground of the Southwestern Asylum, 
and is leased from the State. These wells are at a depth 
of from 1,800 to 2,200 feet and give over 800,000 gal- 
lons per day of hot sulphur water, ranging from 104 to 
106 degrees. The curative property of these waters 
have been fully demonstrated, and an analysis shows 
them in many respects superior to the Hot springs of 
Arkansas. The Hot Wells are pleasantly situated in 
picturesque grounds, and are worth a visit. 

Scheuermeyer's Park. 

The next point of interest is Scheuermeyer's Park, a 
popular road house, much frequented by the citizens, 
especially in the hot weather. 

91 



State Asylum. 

The final point of interest is the Southwest Texas 
Asylum, where the State cares for the insane of this 
district. It is one of the largest in the State, and is 
open for public inspection. A visit to it will prove inte- 
esting and instructive. 

Other Pleasant Drives. 

There are other minor drives of interest and pleas- 
ure. 

(1). Via South Flores Street, passing the United 
States Arsenal, "Sap" depot, the Catholic Home for the 
Aged, Connor's Grove, Beanville and Englewood. 

(2). To West End, by following the street car 
track, passing the City Hospital, en route to the West 
End residential section, the West End Lake, St. Louis 
Roman Catholic College, Peacock Military School and 
other large educational establishments. 

(3) . To the cemeteries via East Commerce Street, 
passing St. Joseph's Church, St. Joseph's Hall and the 
new Southern Pacific depot. In the same district will 
be found the City Cemeteries and those of churches and 
secret societies. The Military Cemetery is near by. 

(4) . Prospect Hill and Lake View are pleasant ob- 
jective points for a drive, but there is little of public 
interest or importance to be seen in these sections, ex- 
cept the new grand International & Great Northern 
Railroad depot and the Academy of Our Lady of the 
Lake at Lake View. 



92 




mMm rW ^ M 







cm :m b :,w> 





USEFUL ADDENDA 



containing notes of customs, 
notable buildings, societies 
and other points of general 
interest. 



PROMPT POINTERS 



THE ADDENDA 



In this section we give some interesting notes that 
cannot be given elsewhere, and yet will be found of in- 
terest to visitors. 

The Pastores. 

In December of each year the Mexican citizens pre- 
sent "The Pastores," which is a passion play, illustra- 
tive of the Nativity. Where the play is presented 
with intelligent direction and with suitable surround- 
ings it is reverential, romantic and instructive, but in 
most cases it is presented by ignorant peons, with 
scant, fantastic costumes, in small jackals, and in such 
a way as to excite more ridicule than reverence. For 
this reason the Pastores are prohibited in many Mexi- 
can dioceses unless given under direction of priests. 
The custom is an old one and has been in vogue here 
for over a century. In this city they are presented by 
peons in the northern and trans-San Pedro districts, 
and often only as a source of revenue. The houses in 
which they are held are distinguished by a candled 
lantern. The exhibit is interesting as a quaint and 
amusing feature of Mexican life. 

Convention Halls. 

San Antonio is a popular city for conventions, and 
in 1890 a great convention hall was erected on the 
Krisch property at the northwest corner of Houston 
and North Flores Streets. It was there the great con- 
vention was held which nominated the late Governor 
Hogg. The building was found far too small for the 

95 



purpose and inconvenient. In building the new Mar- 
ket House the city arranged for a splendid auditorium 
over it which will seat 4000 people, and this is now 
used for conventions and public entertainments. It is 
easily reached by the International & Great Northern 
Depot car. 

Beethoven Maennerchor. 

On the east side of South Alamo Street is the very 
attractive Beethoven Hall, a massive and convenient 
structure designed by the late Albert Beckmann, and 
erected in 1894. It is the club house of the Beethoven 
Maennerchor, founded in 1865. It contains rooms, 
bar for the convenience of members and has a magnif- 
icent hall and a fine stage. It is used for dramatic 
presentations, concerts, balls and public meetings. 
When boycotted by the theatrical clique, Sarah Bern- 
hardt and her company played at this house. A bowl- 
ing alley and a very pretty garden are attached. 

The Turn-Verein. 

Another old and popular organization is the San An- 
tonio Turn-Verein. It was organized at a meeting 
held at the Veramendi Palace in 1865. It has con- 
tinued growing greater, more popular and more use- 
ful. After being tossed about for several years it 
found a permanent home at the corner of Houston 
and St. Mary's Streets, extending back to College 
Street. The Empire Opera House occupies the old 
place. Here the Turners had a large hall for meet- 
ings and athletic sports, capacious stage, bowling al- 
ley, dining and club rooms and a nice garden on the 
east side. Responding to popular call the hall was 
turned into a theater, and for many years it was 
known as the Turner Opera House, and was the only 
place in the city for legitimate attractions, though 
some few played at the Casino Hall. Nearly all the 

96 



great attractions from 1875 to 1900 played here. 
Soon after the opening of the Grand Opera House its 
mission as a theatrical centre was at an end, and the 
Turners sold the property for $60,000. They then 
secured a spacious site on Nacogdoches Street, near 
Houston Street, and erected a handsome and capa- 
cious club house from the plans of Mr. J. Wahrenber- 
ger. The building is of brick and stone, of an ornate 
style stands in a pretty garden. It provides for 
club rooms, dining room, saloon, hall for gymnastic 
exercises, etc. On the upper story is a very hand- 
some hall that is used for Verein receptions, balls and 
for public meetings. A bowling alley is attached 
which is much used. There are schools for turning 
used by children and by older members of the club. 

St. Mary's Church, College and Residence. 

On the left hand side of St. Mary's Street and cor- 
ner of College Street, is St. Mary's Church, which 
was founded in 1856 and is in charge of the Oblate 
Fathers. It is much attended by Irish and American 
Catholics, and is spacious and beautiful in interior ar- 
rangement. On the north side, fronting College 
Street, is St. Mary's College, a prominent Catholic 
educational institution from which many of the lead- 
ing citizens graduated. It was founded in 1849 over 
a livery stable on Military Plaza, moved to its present 
site 1850, and has gradually grown to its present great- 
ness. On the south side of the church is the hand- 
some clergy residence, which has recently taken the 
place of the old structure. On this site many distin- 
guished prelates have rested, notably Cardinal Gib- 
bons, Monsignor Falconi (Apostolic Delegate), Arch- 
bishops Corrigan, Farley and Janssens and Bishops 
Begen, Gallagher, Beavens, Meerscheidt, Pellicer, For- 
est, Neraz and Horstmann. Bishop Pellicer of San 
Antonio died here in 1880. 

97 



The Casino Association. 

Is another of the old German societies. It was es- 
tablished in 1854 and chartered in 1857. The hall is 
a spacious rock building, located near the river at the 
lower end of Market Street. The building includes 
a very handsome ball room anpl stage, which at one 
time were used for theatrical purposes, and many 
noted actors and lecturers have appeared there. On 
the east side is a bar room, reading room, etc., and 
on the west side are a handsome suite of parlors, din- 
ing rooms and other necessary offices. 

New Presbyterian Church. 

The Presbyterians had a fine castellated brick church 
at the corner of Houston and North Flores Streets. It 
was erected in 1860 and has been used ever since, but 
it got inconvenient, so the church has been sold and 
a new church is being erected at the corner of Avenue 
D and Fourth Street. It is of white limestone and will 
seat 1,000 people. The estimated cost is $75,000. 

Veramendi Place. 

On Soledad Street, nearly opposite Veramendi Street, 
is a formidable plain, one-story building with a large, 
massive, panelled double doors. This is the remains of 
the Veramendi Palace, the former residence of Gov- 
ernor Veramendi, and one of the most historic houses 
in the city. It was here that James Bowie wooed and 
won the Governor's daughter, and it was the first 
place that Ben Milam attacked when he essayed to 
capture San Antonio from the Mexicans. It was in the 
rear of the main entrance that Milam was killed, shot 
through the head, and it was here that his remains 
rested until exhumed and buried in the old Protestant 
cemetery at Milam Square. The old doors, pierced by 

98 



many bullets during Milam's attack, are still in .place, 
and a legend says that they have swung on the same 
toses since 1714, but that is scarcely probable seeing 
Safthe city was not then laid out. The probabilrty 
is that the building was erected about 1724. The spa 
cious sewan, some of the rooms and the spaciou ^patio 
still remain. The immense thickness of the walls used 
in thosTdays are visible. The building has been used 
and altered for all kinds of business and allowed to 
go to Premature ruin. The front wall obstructs the 
fidewalk and makes the street too narrow at that 
noint There is an objection— and a considerable one— 
to tearing the old building down, and it is proposed to 
build a sidewalk through the front , of the palace , in the 
form of the portales, as in the old buildings of the City 
of Mexico, and it is probable that the building will be 
strengthened and otherwise restored to its pristine 
form If this were done its historic value would be 
enhanced and it would be a good revenue producer. 
The Daughters of the Republic have affixed a marble 
tablet to the outer walls, indicating the leading his- 
torical events associated with it. 

The Garza House. * 

is in the block nearly opposite the Veramendi Palace, 
and is bounded by Houston, Soledad and Veramendi 
Streets and Main Avenue. The original Garza home 
is found on the western half of the block, but the 
o-rounds extended for a considerable distance north on 
Soledad Street, almost to the old Chavez nome. It was 
built by Geronimo de la Garza in 1734. The Mexican 
soldiers were here when Milam attacked the city and 
drove them out, and some of the old doors show the 
marks of bullets and axes made at that time. There 
are also traces of the attacks of Indians. The building 
is of plain architecture, one story high, and the usual 
thick defensive walls are apparent. 

99 



Famous Horn Collection. 

Where the old arsenal was erected prior to its re- 
moval to South Flores Street now stands the Soledad 
Block, corner of Soledad and Houston Streets. It is a 
little north of the Veramendi Palace. In the corner is 
the Buckhorn Saloon, conducted by Mr. Albert Fred- 
erick. It is remarkable for the large and extraordinary 
collection of horns that are exhibited there and for 
which an offer of $15,000 has been refused. It is prob- 
ably the largest and most varied collection of horns in 
the world, and all are well mounted. The place is ex- 
tensively visited by visitors of both sexes, and the pro- 
prietor or his assistants take pleasure in describing 
the collection. No charge is made. 

New Driveway to Fort Sam Houston. 

The city, by cutting through private property, has 
opened a new and pleasant boulevard to Fort Sam 
Houston. This goes via Avenue D to Thirteenth 
Street; thence to Trueheart Street, and by Grayson 
Street to the post. It is a shorter and more direct 
route. 

The Carnegie Library. 

This public library is a large and handsome building, 
located on Market Street, near the river. It was 
founded in 1900 upon the gift of $50,000 from Andrew 
Carnegie, who, in 1906, made an additional donation of 
$20,000 for necessary enlargements to the building. 
It contains 20,000 volumes, and these are loaned free 
to all citizens who give bond for return of the books. 
A reading room for newspapers and magazines and a 
lecture hall is attached. The library is under the 
control of the city and supported by a special tax of 2 
cents on the $100. Visitors are allowed to borrow 
books by leaving a cash deposit to secure the return of 
the book loaned. 

100 



The Novel Cafe. 

There is no finer bar in the South than that of the 
Menger Hotel, which is dignified with the more inno- 
cent title of "cafe." It is a separate building, erected 
in the garden, and is essentially English in its style. 
The woodwork is of cherry finish, panneled and hand- 
somely mirrored, and the paving is of Moravian tiles. 
The heavy beams of the roof show and are panneled 
as in Hampton Court Palace,, near London. There are 
three "snugs," such as are found in English bar par- 
lors, richly upholstered, and capable of holding three 
people on each side, and a table is between the seats. 
Above is a gallery, paved with rubber tiles, and with 
chairs and tables for guests. There are also a number 
of incandescent lights on the ceiling and around the bar 
and the effect, especially at night, is brilliant. Every- 
thing is elegant and the barkeepers are attired in 
Tuxedo coats. The bar is surmounted by a roof gar- 
den. The cost of this bar is given at $30,000. It has 
already become one of the show places of the city. 

Our Country Club. 

The San Antonio Country Club is one of the latest 
attractions of the city, and is designed for the rustica- 
tion of citizens and strangers and the promotion of golf, 
lawn tennis and other invigorating sports. The club 
house is a handsome building, with modern comforts 
and conveniences, and was erected at a cost of over 
$30,000. It is charmingly located upon an elevation 
in a tract of 133 acres lying between New Braunfels 
Avenue and the Austin road, a little north of the new 
section of the army post. It has reception rooms, bil- 
liard parlor, cafe and all necessary offices, and there 
are forty dormitories, and the furnishings are elegant. 
There are large golf links, lawn tennis courts and 
bowling alleys. Admission to members only or on 
tne introduction of members. It can be reached by 

101 



the River Avenue electric cars or by the Army Post 
cars to New Braunfels Avenue. 

The Terrell Hot Well. 

The Terrell Hot Sulphur Well is located on the Pleas- 
anton road, about five and one-half miles southwest of 
the City Hall. The water is drawn from a 1900-foot 
well, naving a capacity of 800,000 gallons per day. The 
temperature ranges from 105 to 110 degrees. Chem- 
ical analysis shows that it differs materially from the 
other hot well, having a larger percentage of iron and 
greater tonic effect. Experiments have proved that 
the water has great curative value in liver and kidney 
complaints, rheumatism, blood and skin diseases, ner- 
vous affections and female disorders, etc. At pres- 
ent there are only private individual baths, but the 
property, consisting of 2200 acres, has recently been 
purchased by the Terrell Hot Well Company, who pro- 
pose to erect an hotel and sanitorium on the ground 
and surround it with a new suburban addition and run 
a street car service to connect with the Traction Com- 
pany's lines at its terminal on South Flores Street. In 
the meantime the Terrell Well can only be conven- 
iently reached by private conveyance or by the com- 
pany's automobile, which leaves the leading hotels sev- 
eral times daily to convey passengers to and from the 
well. The charge is 50 cents for the round trip. 

Way to See the City. 

The San Antonio Traction Company runs an obser- 
vation car twice each day in the season, and it covers 
the city from the postoffice to Laurel Heights, then to 
Brackenridge Park and Government Hill, and thence 
to the Hot Wells. It is a two-hour ride, traverses 
thirty-five miles of the leading streets of ban Antonio. 
The fare is only 50 cents for the round trip. A guide 
accompanies the car to point out the principal points of 
interest. 

102 



A Good Adviser. 

The Business Men's Club is located in the Chandler 
building, near the southwest corner of Losoya and 
Crockett Streets. It is an organization of the citizens 
for the purpose of developing the city and disseminat- 
ing authoritative information as to the merits of this 
section of the State. It is always open to the calls of 
visitors for the furnishing of general information in 
regard to the city and the country around it, and will 
give profitable advice to strangers. Some interesting 
exhibits will be found in the club rooms. 

H. R.-T. 




103 











STREET CAR DIRECTORY 




















1 

t 
t 


^hat Elecflric Cars to tak( 
o reach important and in 
eresting points. .'. .'. .' 
























TOURIST'S HAND BOOK 











STREET CAR DIRECTORY 



In order that the travel of visitors may be facilitated the 
editor presents the routes of the various electric cars and a 
directory of such places as they may desire to find. Above each 
route is the abberviated titles of the routes and such abbre- 
viations will be found in the directory to indicate the car that 
should be taken to reach the desired point. The cars are 
labelled on the elevation of the roof or on the right hand side 
of the front and indicate where the car is going. 

"SAN PEDRO" — "A. P." 

(1) Laurel Heights to Government Hill, Army Post, la- 
belled "SAN PEDRO" — "ARMY POST." 

"N. S." — "B. H." 

(2) From North Pine Street (Government Hill) via Nolan 
Street to North Flores Street, thence by loop to Beacon Hill 
and Fredericksburg Road to North Flores Street and Govern- 
ment Hill. Labelled "NOLAN STREET"— "BEACON HILL." 

"S. P." — "I. & G. N." 

(3) Prospect Hill to the Cemeteries. Labelled "S. P. DE- 
POT"— "I. & G. N." 

"T. H."— "S. A. P." 

(4) From the San Antonio and Aransas Pass ("Sap") de- 
pot, via South Alamo Street, Houston Street, Madison Square, 
Rock Quarry Road and Laurel Heights Terrace. Labelled 
"TOBIN HILL"— "S. A. P. DEPOT." 

"S. H." — "S. P." 

(5) South Heights to Beanville on South Flores Street. 
Labelled "SOU1H HEIGHTS"— "SOUTH FLORES." (Auto- 
mobiles meet the car at South Flores Street to take passengers 
to Terrell's Wells. Fare, 20 cts.) 

"R. A." — "W. E." 

(6) Brackenridge Villa to West End. Labelled "RIVER 
AVENUE" — "WEST END." 

"H. W." 

(7) From the State Insane Asylum, via Hot Wells, Fair 
Grounds, South Presa and Garden Streets, thence through 
Nueva Street, via Main Plaza, Houston and Navarro Streets 
to Garden Street and returning to the Asylum. Labelled 
"HOT WELLS." 

The street car fare is 5 cents each trip. Transfers free from 

107 



one line to another for continuous trip. Passengers should 
tell the conductors where they wish to go and they will he 
put off at, or near, the desired point. 

The OBSERVATION CAR leaves twice daily for a two hours' 
tour over the various lines, covering 35 miles of track, and 
passing many points of interest. Fare, 50 cents for the round 
trip. 

ACADEMIES: See Colleges. 

ALAMO: On Alamo Plaza, T. H. — S. A. P.; S. P. — I. & 
G. N.; S. H. — S. F. 

ALAMO HEIGHTS: Residence suburb N. E. of the city, 
R. A. 

ALAMO PLAZA: T. H.— S. A. P.; S. P.— I. & G. N.; S. 
H. — S. F.; N. S.— B. H. 

ARSENAL (U. S. A.)- South Flores Street. S. H. — S. A. P. 

BANKS: Alamo National Bank, City National Bank, Groos' 
Bank (private), D. Sullivan & Co.'s Bank (private), Emmett 
Bank (private). These are all located on Commerce Street 
and are best reached by alighting at St. Mary's Street and 
going south till that street is reached. All cars pass Lock- 
wood National Bank, West Texas State Bank and Trust Co. 
and State Bank and Trust Co., located on Houston Street. 
Bank of Commerce, S. P. — I. & G. N.; S.- H. — S. F. Frost's 
National Bank, S. P. — I. & G. N.; S. H. — S. F. 

BASEBALL GROUNDS: Electric Park; front SAN PEDRO; 
rear B. H. 

BEETHOVEN HALL: T. H. — S. A. P. 

BREWERIES: City, Lone Star and Schober Breweries all 
reached by R. A. — W. E. cars. 

BRIGADE POST: See Fort Sam Houston. 

CARNEGIE LIBRARY. Market street; alight from cars on 
South Alamo and walk west two blocks. 

CASINO HALL: Market Street, one block from T. H. — 
S. A. P. and S. H.— S. F. cars. 

CEMETERIES: East of the city. S. P. — I. & G. N. cars 
pass them. National Cemetery, little north of them. 

CHURCHES: Roman Catholic — San Fernando Cathedral, 
S. P. — I. & G. N.; S. H. — S. F. St. Mary's Church, all cars, 
alight at St. Mary's Street and go one block south; St. Joseph's 
Church, S. P. Episcopalian — St. Mark's, all cars, alight at 
Jefferson Street and walk two blocks north; same for Temple 
Beth El; St. Paul's Church, A. P.; Central Christian Church, 
SAN PEDRO, alight at juncture of Main and San Pedro Ave- 
nues; First Presbyterian Church, W. E. and N. S.; First Bap- 
tist Church, A. P., alight at Fifth Street and go west; Trinity 
M. E. Church, R. A. and A. P.; Westminster, H. W. 

CITY HALL: Military Plaza, S. P. — I. & G. N.; S. H. — 
S. F. 

108 



COLLEGES: West Texas Military Academy, A. P.; Pea- 
cock's Military School, W. E.; Harrison Female College, W. 
E.; St. Louis College, W. E.; Ursuline Convent, SAN PEDRO, 
alighting at Girard Street and going one block east; Academy 
of Our Lady of the Lake, I. & G. N. ; Academy of the Incarnate 
Word, R. A.; St. Mary's College,' all cars, alighting at St. 
Mary's Street and going one block south; St. Mary's Hall, all 
cars, alighting at Navarro Street and walking three blocks 
north; San Antonio High School, A. P. and S. A. P. 

COLUMBUS HALL: Knights of Columbus, corner of Com- 
merce and North Presa, alight from T. H. — S. A. P. and S. 
H. — S. P. cars and walk two blocks. 

COMMERCE STREET. Often called Main Street, T. H. — 
S. A. P. and S. H. — S. F. ; West End. 

COUNTRY CLUB: Between New Braunfels Avenue and Aus- 
tin Road, SAN PEDRO — A. P.; R. A. — W. E. 

COUNTY COURT HOUSE: Military Plaza, see that note. 

COUNTY POOR FARM: T. H. — S. A. P. 

ELECTRIC PARK: SAN PEDRO CARS. 

ELKS CLUB: Ave. E., N. S. — B. H., within one block. 

EXPRESS COMPANIES: "Wells Fargo, "Pacific," 
"American," all cars, alight at Navarro Street and walk south 
to Commerce Street; all are located near each other 

FAIR GROUNDS: South Presa Street, H. W. 

FEDERAL BUILDING: Alamo Plaza, T. H. — S A P ; 
N. S.— B. H.; S. P.— I. & G. N.; S. H.— S. F. 

FIRST MISSION: Hot Wells car, alight on South Presa 
Street, within easy walk 

FORT SAM HOUSTON: A. P. 

GARZA HOUSE: Corner of Main Avenue and Veramendi 
Street, S. P.— I. & G. N.; S. H.— S. F. 

GOVERNMENT HILL: Residence section, A. P.; N. S. 

HEAD OF THE RIVER: Source of San Antonio River, 
R. A. 
. HICKS' BUILDING: All cars. 

HORN EXHIBITION: Buckhorn Saloon, corner of Houston 
and Soledad Streets; all cars. 

HOSPITALS: Santa Rosa Infirmary, W. E.; Physicians' 
and Surgeons', T. H. — S. A. P.; City Hospital, W. E. 

HOTELS: "Menger," T. H.— S. A. P., S. H.— S. F. and 
s - P— : I- & G. N.; "Bexar" and "New Maverick," all cars; 

"Elite," and "Southern," S. P. — I. & G. N. ; S H S F* 

"Mission," S. P. — I. & G. N. 

HOT SULPHUR WELLS AND HOTEL: South Presa 
Street, H. W. 

HOUSTON STREET: All cars. 

109 



INTERNATIONAL & GREAT NORTHERN RAILROAD? 

Ticket Office, Alamo Plaza, S. P. — I. & G. N., S. H. — S. F.; 
Depot, West Commerce Street, S. P. — I. &. G N. 

KAMPMAN BUILDING: Commerce Street and Main 
Plaza, S. P. — I. & G. N., S. H. — S. P. 

LAUREL HEIGHTS: Aristocratic residence section; SAN 
PEDRO. 

MAIN PLAZA. S. P. — I. & G. N., S. H. — S. P. 

MARKET HOUSE AND AUDITORIUM: S. P. — I. & G. N. 

MASONIC HALL; Losoya Street, one block from cars on 
Houston or Alamo Plaza. 

MEXICAN CONSULATE: Alamo Plaza, T. H. — S. A. P.; 
S. H.— S. P.; S. P. — I. & G. N. 

M. K. & T. R. R.: Trains leave Southern Pacific depot, 
S. P.; Ticket Office, South Alamo Street, T. H. — S. A. P.; S. 
P. — I. & G. N. 

MDLAM (BEN) MONUMENT: Milam Square, W. E., S. 
P. — I. & G. N. 

MILITARY PLAZA: S. P.— I. & G. N.; S. H.— S. F. 

MISSION CONCEPTION: See First Mission. 

MISSION FIRST: See First Mission. 

MOODY'S SANITARHJM: Brackenridge Ave., R. A. and 
W. E. 

MOORE BUILDING: All cars. 

MUTH'S GARDENS: A P. 

NEWSPAPER OFFICES: Daily Express, Crockett Street, 
H. W.; Light, Crockett Street, one block from Alamo Plaza, 
Gazette, East Comemrce Street, one block from South 
Alamo Street cars. 

ODD FELLOWS BUDLDING: Houston Street, all cars. 

OPERA HOUSES. Grand, S. H. — S. F.; S. P.— I. & G. N., 
T. H. — S. A. P.; Empire, all cars. 

PARKS: San Pedro, SAN PEDRO; Brackenridge, R. A.; 
Mahncke, R. A.; Travis, all cars, alight at Jefferson or Na- 
varro Streets and walk one block; Maverick, A. P. and R. A.; 
Milam, W. E., S. P. — I. & G. N. 

POST OFFICE: Alamo Plaza, all cars except H. W., A. P. 
and R. A. 

PROSPECT HILL: Western residence section, I. & G. N. 

PYTHIAN HALL: Knights of Pythias, Sauer Building, 
Alamo Plaza and Crockett Street, S. P. — I. & G. N.; S. H. — • 
S. F.; T. H. — S. A. P. 

SAN ANTONIO CLUB: Alamo Plaza, S. P. — I. & G. N.; 

O XT O P . Ti II Q A "P 

SAN ANTONIO & ARANSAS PASS DEPOT — T. H— S. A. 

P., S. H. — S. F. ; Ticket Office; Bexar Drug Store, corner of 
Houston Street and Alamo Plaza. 

110 



SCHEURMEYER'S PARK: Near State Asylum, H. W. 

SCHOOLS: See Colleges. 

SOUTH HEIGHTS: S. E. residence section, S. H. — S. F. 

SOUTHERN PACIFIC DEPOT: S. P. — I. & G. N.; Freight 
San Pedro, A. P.; Ticket Office, corner of Crockett and Alamo 
Plaza. 

S. W. TEXAS INSANE ASYLUM: H. W. 

TEMPLE BETH EL: Travis Park, all cars, alight at Jef- 
ferson Street and go one block north. 

TENGG, NIC: Publisher of this work, 220 W. Commerce 
Street. 

TERRELL'S HOT WELLS: S. H. — S. F. to end of lines 
anda utomobiles carry passengers remainder of the trip. 

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, O. M. A.: Laurel Heights, 
SAN PEDRO; alight at Magnolia Avenue and walk north to it. 

TRACTION COMPANY: Office, Houston Street, all cars; 
power house, S. H. — S. F.; T. H. — S. A. P.; car sheds, SAN 
PEDRO. 

TRANSFER CO.: Carter & Mullaly, phone 123, N. S. — 
N. F. 

TURNER HALL: N. S. — B. H. 

VERAMENDI PALACE: S. P. — S. H. 

WEST END: W. E. 

WEST END LAKE: W. E. 
. WASHER BUDLDING: S. P., S. H., H. W. 

ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM: San Pedro Park, N. S. — B. H.: 
SAN PEDRO— A. P. 



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